|e 621 

.W51 

Copy 1 



HE P* O H T 



M^Mciin ^anitai a|ommi!isi0tt, 



GENERAL MILITARY HOSPITALS 



ST. LOUIS, MO, 



I^PtESEIsTTEX) ^XJG-TJST 1, 1862. 



ST. LOUIS: 

K. P. STUnLKY AND CO, PlilNT^KS AND LITaOGKAPIIEllS, S. ^V. COP.NEK MAIN AND OLIVK, STS, 
ilDCO CL XII. 



H E P O R T 



W^st^Jlit ^anitaiin dl0mmijisi0n, 



GENERAL MILITARY HOSPITALS 



ST. LOUIS, MO. 



ST. LOUIS: 

P, STUrLSTf AHD CO., P3IN-JKE8 AND LITH0GBAPHKK8, 8. W. CORHKB MAIN AND OLIVK SrS, 
MDCOOLXII. 



/^/J^ ' 



KEPOKT 



WESTERN SANITARY COMMISSIOIf. 



THE GENERAL MILITARY HOSPITALS OF ST. LOUIS, MO. 

The history of the Military Hospitals in St. Louis may constitute, 
if not an interesting, yet an important, part of the history of the 
civil war in Missouri. The whole nation felt that the contest would 
rage fiercely in the Border States, and commenced to prepare for the 
struggle, but did nothing to alleviate the evils which must 
necessarily accompany it. The clash of arms was soon heard in 
various sections of the land ; sick and wounded combatants were 
now and then met with, but no provision was made for their relief. 

Missouri had, early in 1861, declared by an overwhelming majority 
her attachment for, and her determination to remain in, the Union ; 
yet, when the time for action arrived, when the Executive called on 
her to furnish her quota of men and means for the national defense, 
there ^v^ere many found desirous that she should occupy an impossible — 
a neutral position. The capture of Camp Jackson precipitated the 
crisis, and brought her to take a decisive stand. From that day 
skirmishes and combats became frequent. 

Up to the month of August the strife was carried on by small 
bodies, and quite remote from St. Louis. The sick were mostly 
attended in camp in tents, or in regimental hospitals, in houses that 
chanced to be near an encampment ; few only were brought to th€ 
Post Hospital at Jefferson Barracks. 

During the summer months matters necessarily became worse. 
Men taken from various in-door avocations were suddenly exposed 
to the vicissitudes of camp life ; compelled often to make rapid and 
fatiguing marches ; to bivouac in malarious regions ; to drink water 
frequently impure and stagnant ; and to eat badly prepared food. 
Officers and men, both novices, unused to this kind of life, soon felt 
its dire effect They sickened in large numbers. Being constantly 



ii.1 ilVVl^UV- 1.1J1\1 . 



on the move, due attention to the sick became almost an impossibility. 
Post Hospitals Avere established in different parts of the State, and 
General Hospitals in St. Louis. The first opened here was the 
General Hospital at the A'cw Uousq of livfuge, on the 1st of 
August, It was fitted up in haste, and soon filled beyond its 
capacity, chiefly with sick suffering from the severity of climate, and 
the diseases incident to camp life. But after the battle at Wilson's 
Creek, (August 12th,) the wounded began to arrive. All the 
available wards in the ^7. Louis {Sis/crs) and Citij IIos])il(tls 
were taken, and were also soon replete to overflowing. 

About that time, the JVcstcrn Sanitary Commission was 
organized, and duly commissioned by the Commander of the 
Department, Major-General Fremont. This body was to be 
auxiliary and advisory to the Medical Director. They were 
authorized to assist him in organizing and furnishing hospitals, and 
to see that the wants of the sick were properly cared for. 

The people responded heartily to the frequent appeals of the 
Western Sanitary Commission for aid, well knowing that the 
General Government could not have made adequate provisions for 
this gigantic war. They undertook also the laborious task of hiring 
suitable nurses for the hospitals : especially Avere they instrumental 
in introducing female nurses in them — a system not recognized in 
the Army and Hospital Regulations of the United States, but which, 
thanks to the advocacy and influence of that noble philanthropist^ 
Miss Dix, found favor with the then Secretary of War, Mr. Cameron, 
and was approved by the President. 

A wise and a very opportune measure. The inestimable value of 
woman at the bedside of the sick is universally appreciated. 
Thousands of our soldiers had never missed the daily greetings of 
mother, wife, sister or daughter, until this war called them from 
their midst, and threw them among strangers, but brothers united in 
one holy cause. While in the constant exercise of their military 
duties, absent woman could only be remembered by them, but she 
was painfully missed when they were prostrated on the sick bed, 
and tended only by comparatively rough male hands. 

The women of the land volunteered to emerge from the seclusion 
of domestic life, in order to perform both a patriotic and a philan- 
thropic work. Thousands of them left their quiet, comfortable 
homes to follow, tend and nurse those who had willingly offered 



INTRODUCTORY. 



themselves on the altar of their country. The dangers to which 
these good women exposed themselves were equal to those of the 
men in the field, breathing, as they do, the atmosphere in rooms 
where hundreds of sick and wounded are confined. The extraordinary 
labors, constant vigils, the anxiety and care for those they have 
taken under their charge, are exceedingly exhausting. Women- 
nurses are true heroines. When the one will be remembered for 
valor in the field, the other will be spoken of for her assiduity, self- 
sacrificing devotion and unremitting kindness to the sick soldier. It 
would be difficult to select for praise the most worthy female nurse 
in our hospitals. They all did well. The surgeons, the soldiers, the 
whole nation unite in their gratitude to them. 

To find buildings in St. Louis, suitable for hospital purposes, 
was no easy task. The Western Sanitary Commission selected 
and recommended those that were the most available, which were 
then rented by the Medical Director. Many and costly were the 
alterations and improvements which were necessary to be made to 
make them answer the end in view. 

The Western Sanitary Commission was fully convinced that the 
system of renting houses at high rates, and altering them at a 
great expense, is not the most economical, pecuniarily, and, at the 
same time, it is the least satisfactory, in a sanitary point of view. 
They early advocated the erection of barrack-hospitals, which could 
be extended to answer all demands, and arranged in accordance with 
sanitary laws. Their plan met the approval of the Commanding 
General. Plans and specifications were made, and contracts entered 
into with builders. The work was to be commenced at once, and 
completed within four or six weeks. At that time. Gen. Fremont 
was superseded, and the concurrence of subsequent commanders and 
medical directors could not be obtained. Thus the barrack-hospital 
system was abandoned, and the hiring of houses was the only 
alternative. 

On the 7th of September, the General Hospital, corner of Fifth 
and Chesnut streets, was opened; on the 13th of the same month, 
that near Camp Benton; and on the 15th, the Good Samaritan 
Hospital, were taken. October the 24th, the new hotel building on 
Fourth street, between Mors;an street and Franklin avenue 
was converted into a hospital. The Receiving House on Spruce 
street, between Seventh and Eighth, was used by the Western 



INTRODirTORY. 



Sunitary Commission Tor receiving and giving a temporary 
shelter to the sick and wounded soldiers arriving at night by the 
respective railroads, but was taken possession of, November the 4th, 
by the jNIedical Director, and converted into a hospital, and named 
the Pacific Huspilal. It may be proper hero to mention that the 
Western Sanitary Commission had fitted up a number of 
Huspilal Cam, furnished them with beds, cooking stoves and 
nurses, and supplied all necessary stores, to render the transit of the 
patients over the railroads as comfortable as possible. 

In the same month, extensive additions were made to the Srnall 
Fox llospilal on Duncan's Island ; and the Hickory street 
Hospital was opened for the especial use of the reserve corps of 
State troops. 

These extensive arrangements were wholly insufficient. Last 
winter was so prolific of diseases that the sick canae pouring in from 
all parts of our State and the neighboring States. Camp Benton 
alone furnished a daily quota of patients, which exceeded all 
calculations, and required that a large number, which should have 
been treated in General Hospitals^ be kept and treated in the 
numerous regimental hospitals in, near and around the camp. 

The hospitals were crowded, not only with the very sick, but also 
with a large number who were convalescing, but too feeble yet to be 
returned to their regiments, and too well to occupy the beds in a 
general hospital. The organization of hospitals for convalescents 
became necessary, and forthwith the Convalescent Hosjjital, A'*o. 
1, was opened, which has proved a perfect success. 

The active campaign of last spring, and the battles of Fort Henry, 
Fort Donelson, Pea Ridge, Island No. 10, proved that our arrange- 
ments were not yet adequate to the emergency, and further provision 
had to be made. 

The U. S. Marine Hospital , which, owing to the interruption 
of the navigation of the Mississippi, was nearly void of its accus- 
tomed patients, was placed at the disposal of the War Department. 

After the battle of Shiloh, the order came for " more beds," and 
the Western Sanitary Commission hired the third and fourth 
floors, over the Police Commissioners' Court, and had them neatly 
and expeditiously fitted up for the accommodation of 2,000 more 
patients. The large hall, over Thornton's livery stable, was likewise 



INTRODUCTORY. 



taken, and prepared for 150 patients. Fortunately, tbese halls were 
never called into requisition. 

The extensive Jefferson Barracks have been entirely metamor- 
phosed into a general hospital, with ample accommodations for 1,000 
sick. This felicitous idea is due to the then Medical Director, Dr. 
J. J. B. Wright. These general hospitals were further relieved of 
the incumbrance of convalescent patients, and made to conform more 
to the sound laws of hygiene, by the opening of the Convalescent 
Hospital, JYo. 2, at Benton Barracks, with a capacity for 1,000 
beds, or more. A choice of locality, of positive injustice to the 
soldiers, who go there in expectation of recuperating, but unfortu- 
nately often relapse. 

Thus far, this is a general introduction to the Military Hospitals 
of St. Louis, a more detailed account follows. It will be seen that 
St. Louis need not fear comparison with any other city in hospital 
enterprises, and maybe proud of the gigantic work done, under such 
trying and unfavorable circumstances. Thanks to the great liberality 
of the whole nation, the Western Sanitary Commission has been 
enabled to render efficient aid to the sick and wounded soldiers, 
though frequently thwarted in their philanthropic labors. The 
enlightened views of Major- Generals Fremont and Halleck, Com- 
manding this Department, whose countenance and encouragement 
never failed them, are gratefully acknowledged, as, without them, the 
efforts of the Western Sanitary Commission would have been 
limited in their results. 

In the detailed report of the St. Louis Military Hospitals, I will 
endeavor to give the capacity, in cubic feet, of each room occupied 
by patients, the number of beds, and consequently the quantity of 
atmospheric air allowed to each patient. There will be found nearly 
as great a variety as there are rooms ; for there are but few of equal 
dimensions, and containing the same number of beds. 

The Surgeon- General of the United States recommends an 
allowance of 1,200 cubic feet of atmospheric air for each patient- 
Only in one instance is this very liberal allowance attained in our 
hospitals ; in most of them it will hardly reach one-half that quantity. 
In many places, where the cubic contents of a room is small, the air 
is purer, than in others where there is more space, owing to the 
artificial means of ventilation, either by windows, doors, ventilators, 
or open fires. I have, therefore, endeavored always to note the 



INTRODl'CTORT 



number of these, as they arc the chief, if not the only means of 
ventilation in this country. But, Avhen those windows open into dirty 
streets, filthy alleys, or courts abounding with foul exhalations ; when 
the doors open into corridors and halls, filled with impure air, we do 
not purify the air in the sick room, do not supply it with the vivify- 
ing elements so indispensiblc, but we impoverish and poison it by the 
admixture of these putrid emanations. Fresh air should be derived, 
as far as possible, from uncontaminated sources ; it should be washed, 
screened and treated with chemicals, when loaded with noxious 
emanations. Drains and Sewers, in the vicinity of hospitals, should 
be deprived of their noxious gases. The ground in the vicinity 
exhaling offensive smells should be deodorized. The temperature, 
moisture and movements of the air in the hospital, should be 
graduated. But where in this country is this done ? In our private 
residences we care little about proper ventilation ; and in public edifices 
it is sacrificed to the merest whim of taste, as a matter of secondary 
importance. The architect must be an adept in chemico-physical 
science to be possessed of a correct knowledge of the principles of 
ventilation. It is simply unreasonable to expect to find well venti- 
lated hospitals among us as yet ; but still those of St. Louis will 
compare favorably with most others. 

One of the most serious difficulties our hospitals — and I presume 
all the hospitals in the United States — labor under, is the too frequent 
change of officers and employees. A familiarity with business 
facilitates despatch; but here, ere one becomes initiated into his 
duties, he is removed to another field of action. Rotation in office 
may be a good rule in politics, but it is unphilosophical. It has 
proved detrimental to the best interest of the country in all its various 
relations. There are few experts among our public officers, they 
being either elected or appointed to take charge of an office, and are 
expected to do all its duties well before they have an idea what their 
duties are. They have scarcely found out what they have to do, when 
their term of office expires, or they are removed by the will of their 
superior. Would it not result in more good if persons were retained 
in the office for which they have qualified themselves, during good 
behavior, and while they discharge their duties faithfully and well? 
Applicants for office would not be as many, and the incumbents would 
find therein the greatest incentive to do their duty. This evil is even 
more glaring in our hospitals. A Surgeon in charge of a hospital or 



INTRODUCTORY. 



ward, requires much time to learn the routine of business, and to 
study and understand every case, when, without a moments premoni- 
tion, he is ordered to another hospital or ward, doubtless to the 
detriment of the patients and of the service. The same holds good 
in regard to nurses, cooks and other employees. The system of 
taking convalescent soldiers for such service is of questionable utility. 
Nursing the sick is a very laborious work ; only the physically and 
morally healthy ought to undertake it. How can an untutored soldier, 
just recovering from wasting disease, do justice to it? The valetudi- 
narian needs repose at night, and active exercise in the open air in 
the day time ; but the nurse has to watch at night and breathe impure 
air. The convalescing soldier should have time to recuperate fully, 
and then return to duty for which he enlisted, but not be diverted 
from his original praiseworthy purpose, (lookhxg is an art ; a good 
cook is invaluable in camp, and much more in a hospital. Food well 
prepared would have saved us many a brave soldier, who sickened 
and died from the want of it. The cook in a hospital ought to be 
just as exact and precise as the apothecary ; but this cannot be 
expected from an untutored soldier taken from the ranks. A case 
has occured, within my own observation, of the removal, in one day, 
of all the civil employees, comprising cooks, stewards and nurses, in 
one of our largest hospitals, and the substituting of convalescent 
soldiers, who knew nothing of what they were required to do. The 
inevitable result was soon apparent. Would it not be better economy 
to hire luell trained male and female nurses ; to keep them as long 
as they perform their duty well ; to deduct from their wages and to 
dismiss them, when they fail to perform Avhat they have engaged to do ? 
Would it not be the dictate of humanity to engage as nurses only 
those who, by study and natural inclination, have adapted themselves 
to this pursuit? The sick soldier would be grateful, and the conva- 
lescent soldier glad, for having been relieved of a task for which he 
has neither aptitude nor inclination. 

I have appended a table, showing the whole number of admissions 
and deaths in our respective hospitals, from the time they Avere 
opened, to the first of July, 1862 ; the diseases they were admitted 
with, and those of which they died. At the foot of each column will be 
the number of cases and deaths in each hospital ; and on the right of 
each line will be found the number of cases and deaths of any 
particular disease. Thus, not only the movements in the hospitals. 



10 



INTUODUCTOKV, 



liut tlie character of the prevailing diseases can be ascertained at a 
glance. Very important and interesting facts can he deduced there- 
from. It shows that — 



1. Tlie tiitul mimlioiof iulmis^ioiis to Julv wa.s 2.3,198. The total of deaths, 1,826, 
or 7J per cent. 

2. Of the 23,198 cases admitted, 20,005 were for sickness incident to climate, 
exposure and canij) life; and 3,198 as the result of casualities, or 13.^ per cent. 

3. Of the 20,005 cases of sickness, 1,593 died, or 7| per cent. 

4. Of the 3,198 ca.scs of casualties, 228 died, or 7;^ per cent. 

5. Deaths from casuulities (228,) to the wliole number of deatlis (1,820,) is 12^ per 



cent. 
G. 



The casualities were 



I Ciises. i Deaths.! Per Cent. 



Amhustio (hums) 

Coucussio ccrchri (concussion of the brain). 

C'antusio 

Fractura 

Gelatio (frost bitten) 

Hernia 



Luxatio (dislocation ) 

Subluxatio (sprains) 

Vulnus contusum vel laceratum (contused and lacerated 

wounds ) 

Vulnus incisum (incised wounds cuts) 

Vulnus punctum (punctured wounds, stabs) 

Vulnus sclopeticum (gun shot wound) 

All other injuries 



10 1 


3 


157, 




95^ 3 
13' 


H 


206 i 




16.. . 




26:: 




44 

25 





2,.537 
52 






7. Hospital gangrene was not at all, and pymnia only rarely met with. ^ 

8. Erysipelas, the great scourge of ill-ventilated and crowded surgical wards, dealt 
very kindly with our wounded. Few only suffered from it, and many of them recovered. 

9. Tetanus, the usual companion of severe physical injuries — the implacable enemy 
of the wounded — the dread of the militaiy surgeon, has visited us but in a single case. 

10. Only 302 cases of venereal disease has been noted among the 23,198 cases. A 
fact unparalled in medical records. 



GENERAL HOSPITAL AT THE NEW HOUSE OF REFUGE. 



This edifice was erected by tlie city of St. Louis, as a reform 
school for juvenile oftenders. It was yet in an unfinished state, 
when rented by the Government, August 1st, 1861. It is well 
situated in a salubrious region, on high rolling ground, affording a 
fine view in every direction. 

The grounds attached are extensive, and sparsely covered with 
forest trees. It is south of, and distant from the centre of, the city, 
about four miles. 

The building is about 42 by 243 feet, and has four stories, and a 
basement. 

The basement is 9 feet in hight. It is divided into two kitchens, 
store rooms, dining room for officers and convalescing patients, 
nurses, a sutler's shop, and contains the furnaces. It is conven- 
iently arranged, and well kept. 

On the first floor are the offices of the surgeons and steward, the 
pharmacy and the reception rooms. A wide piazza stretches across 
the south side of the house, exposed to the prevailing summer 
breezes. There are two wards on this floor, well lighted and aired, 
having numerous large windows on three sides. The two inner 
corners of each ward are occupied by small rooms, the partitions 
being of glass, and not reaching the ceiling. One is used as a 
nurses' kitchen, and the other as a sleeping apartment for male 
nurses. 

On the second floor are two very large wards, which are light, 
airy, clean and comfortable. They occupy the entire width, and 
nearly the whole length, of the building, being divided by the central 
hall and staircases. 

The third floor is occupied by three wards, and is, in all essentials, 
a duplicate of the second. The average hight of the ceiling is some- 
what less. 

The fourth floor is a single ward, in all respects equal to those 
below. 

The advantages of this hospital are — Its situation, which is 



12 OENKRAL UOSriTAL 

one of tlic highest iviid liealtliiest about St. Louis ; its extensive 
grounds, where convalescing patients can obtain air and exercise 
freely, and the beautiful groves on the south, affording grateful 
shade in summer ; the fine, wide piazza, where the feeble can enjoy 
out-door exercise, without exposure to rain, dampness or the sun's 
rays ; the large and lofty wards, admirably adapted to hospital uses, 
rendering its management and police comparatively easy. 

The disadvanlages arc — There are no water closets attached to 
the house. Privies have been constructed on the grounds for male 
attendants and convalescents, and Laterines are improvised in the 
building ; but the arrangement is inadequate, and with difficulty kept 
in moderately satisfactory condition. 

The want of water is keenly felt ; rain-water is collected in large 
cisterns, but docs not supply the demand, and the experiment of 
sinking a w^ell, though carried to a great depth, has failed. 
Water has consequently to be hauled from the Mississippi river in 
large tanks. 

The basement wj^s originally designed for a cellar, and was partially 
filled with water when taken by Government. It was drained, and the 
floor placed upon the clay ; the dampness arising from an omission 
to concrete before flooring can be readily remedied. The Sutler's 
shop in the basement of this Hospital, is an unusual and objectionable 
feature, and one liable to great abuse. 

This hospital is heated by portable furnaces, placed in the base- 
ment, communicating with the wards by tin flues ; they have proved 
insufficient and defective. The angular course of the smoke flues 
impairs the draft, and the deleterious gases often escape into the 
wards. It is believed that death by asphyxia has, in one instance, 
resulted fi-om the proximity of a patient to a register. 

At the time this hospital was organized, suitable bedsteads could 
not be obtained quickly ; cots were substituted, and have been retained. 
They are, however, not suitable, being too narrow and sagging, 
rendering difficult for the patient to change position upon them, and 
in surgical cases impossible. Their appearance is unsightly, and 
detracts from that air of regularity and tidiness so pleasing to patient, 
surgeon and visitor. 

There is a large and well managed bakery, which furnishes 
excellent bread to the hospital, and to that on Fifth and Chesnut 
streets. Also an extensive and well managed laundry, and stables 
for the horses and stock. 



AT THE NEW HOUSE OE REFUGE, Id 

There are separate wooden buildings, erected above and west of the 
hospital, and are shaded by large forest trees. 

The extensive grounds attached to the establishment, enables the 
steward to keep a large number of cows to supply milk to the 
patients ; horses for ambulance, water tank, and other work, and to 
raise swine and poultry. The invalids have opportunity to occupy, 
or interest themselves, by rambling over the lawns, or attending to 
the many out-door duties. 

This hospital accommodates 568 patients, and the allowance of 
atmospheric air for each, is from 580 to 650 cubic feet. When we 
consider the abundant means of ventilation, by numerous large 
windows placed opposite each other, and also that the buildings are 
remote from any other, and catch every passing breeze, this 
apparently inadequate allowance will be found to satisfy all sanitary 
requirements. 

There have been from the opening to July 1, 1862, 4,999 admis- 
sions, and 276 deaths, or 5| per cent., specified and classified in 
the annexed table. 

This hospital was organized by the veteran Assistant Surgeon, Dr. 
J. H. Bailey, U. S. A., who has the honor of having opened the first 
General Hospital in the Western Department, and of maintaining it 
in most admirable order. He had as co-laborers the Sisters of 
Charity, whose intelligence, experience and untiring zeal made his 
task, in a measure, a light one. 

It is hoped that this building will be permanently occupied by the 
Government, and that the improvements, essential to a well organized 
hospital, will speedily be made. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW HOUSE OF REFUGE HOSPITAL. 



Room. 


Length. 


Widtli. 


Hight. 


Tot. capacity 
in cubic feet. 


No. beds 


Cubic feet for 
each bed. 


Windows. 


Doors. 


1st Floor. A 
B 


84 
84 


40 
40 


13 
13 


43,680 
43,680 


75 
75 


582j 
5821 


16 
16 


2 


2d Floor. C 
D 


84 

84 


40 
40 


12-1-6 
12-1-6 


41,9451 
41,945^ 


75 
75 


559-10-75 
559-10-75 


16 
16 


1 
1 


3d Floor. E 
F 
G 


84 

70i 

84 


40 

4f4 

40 


12-1-6 
12-1-6 


41,945i 

3.'j,038 

41,945i 


75 
69 
64 


559-10-75 
.507-55-69 
055-25-64 


16 
15 
16 


1 
2 
2 


4th Floor. H 


'1| 


4GI 


121-6 


40,711 


60 


606-4-5 


15 


2 



THE CITY HOSPITAL. 



This hospital was constructed by the city authorities in 1856. It 
occupies an elevated site, with ample grounds attached ; is constructed 
of brick and white lime-stone, and consists of a long front building, 
with one rectangular wing. It has three stories and an attic. 

The first iloor is appropriated to the kitchen, laundry, pharmacy, 
store room and servants' rooms. The second floor of the main build* 
ing is occupied by the officers* These rooms are the choicest in the 
hospital, and a portion of them could be assigned to the sick without 
detriment to the comfort of the officers. 

The beds throughout the house are in too close proximity, but the 
ceilings are lofty, the windows numerous, and there are ventilators 
over every door. 

The attic is unfit for hospital purposes, the quantity of atmospheric 
air allotted to each patient being insufficient, and, in summer, the heat 
from the slate roof being almost insupportable. 

Two hundred and five military patients have been admitted, of 
whom ten died. This establishment is under the exclusive control of 
the house Surgeon, Dr. Jaminet, appointed by the city, and was 
temporarily resorted to by Government, who paid %2 50 a week for 
each patient. The attendance was inadequate, the food insufficient, 
and the cooking indifferent. 

BESCllIPTION OF CITY HOSPITAL. 



Koom. 


Length. 


Width. 


Uight. 


Capacity in 
cubic toet 


Beds. 


Cubic feet for 
each bed. 


Windows. 


Doors. 


Ventilators. 


27 


27^ 


19^ 


15^ 


8400 


9 


983^ 




3 


2 


28 


27^ 


19^ 


15^ 


8400 


11 


763-7-11 


2 




2 


30 


18 


^^ 


15^ 


5240 


6 


873i 


•2 


1 


2 


31 


36^ 


19^ 


^H 


11,160 


15 


744 


3 


3 


2 


32 


36^ 


\H 


lo^ 


11,160 


17 


G56-8-I7 


2 


2 


2 


33 


19 


19^ 


15, 


5890 


8 


7426-7 


2 


2 


2 


34 


27 


19^ 


15. 
1.V 


8400 


11 


763-7- 11 


2 


2 


2 


35 


27 


19^ 


8400 




763-7-11 


2 


2 


2 


36 


38^ 


19^ 


lo! 

15J 


11,400 


ie' 


713,5 


4 


2 


2 


37 


31 


19| 
19| 


9125 


14 


651-11-17 


3 


1 


1 


39 


asi 


15| 


1 1 ,400 


16 


713-^ 


4 


2 


2 


Garret. 


100 


\^ 


7 


14,000 


44 


318 8-44 


9 


2 


2 



THE ST. LOUIS HOSPITAL. 



This hospital occupies the block between Third, Fourth, Almond 
and Spruce streets, in the compact part of the city. It is the 
property^ and in charge, of the Sisters of Charity. There are 
many fine large wards, well lighted and ventilated, and numerous small 
rooms for private patients and valetudinarians. The whole building- 
is warmed by hot air ; and only in very cold weather open fires or 
stoves are used as auxiliaries. In the old portion of the house are 
lateral apertures of 12 inches diameter, communicating directly with 
the external air, and protected by a wire cover or screen. In the 
recent additions are ventilating flues, which terminate in cones above 
the roof. 

When the seat of war was in, or near, this State, the sick and 
wounded were brought to this city. The Government having been 
wholly unprepared for them, they found a ready home, and a cordial 
welcome, at the Sisters' Hospital—the Government paying $2 50 a 
week for each patient. They were only kept there, until other 
provision was made for them. This hospital has been resorted to on 
several occasions, as many as 139 patients having been admitted at 
one time. 

The military wards were rooms Nos. 2, 6, 11, 12, 36 and 37, 
containing from two to forty beds each, and affording 658 to 1,107 
cubic feet of air for each patient. Six hundred and eighty-five 
patients were admitted from January to July, 1862, of whom 46, or 
6| per cent., have died. No record exists of those who were admitted 
during September, October and November, 1861. 

The military patients were in charge of Dr. 0. Wagner, Assistant 
Surgeon, U. S. A., and later, George Rex, M. D., U. S. V., the 
Sisters of Charity, making most kind, faithful and attentive nurses. 

The advantages of this hospital are — Its central location, and 
easy access from all parts of the city ; the great extent and only 
moderate hight of the buildings (every room communicates on two 
sides at least with the open air;) the many conveniences found there, 
which add much to the comfort of the patient, such as broad piazas. 



16 



rnE ST, LOUIS hospital. 



large yard and garden, parlor and sitting rooms and chapel ; the 
perfect administration which characterizes the institution, and the 
neatness, (juiet and order which pervades every part of it. 

The dLsadvantaii;es arc — Its being a private institution, it 
cannot be brought strictly under Army Regulations, and therefore is 
not permanently used for the sick soldiers. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE ST. LOUIS, OR SISTERS' HOSPITAL. 



Boom. 


Length. 


Width. 


iiight. 


Capncityin 
cubic feet. 


Beds. 


Cubic feet for 
eacli bed. 


Windows. 


Flues. 


Doors. 


2 
G 
11 
12 
36 
.37 


40 
44 
56 

lol 
io| 


40 1 91 
1 7-7 1 o m 


23,697 
12,080 
36,036 
45,.')05 
1,950 
1,950 


36 

18 
39 
40 

2 
2 


658A 

671- 2-18 
965 
1107-25-40 
972 
972 


9 
6 
9 
10 

1 
1 


1 in ceiling. 


3 

1 


38^ 
37 


11-11-12 
13 
10 
10 


5 inside. 

6 side ven's 
8 flu&s. 


4 
2 
1 
1 









CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL, 



CORNER OF FIFTH AND CHESNDT STREETS. 



One of the chief general hospitals of the city, is the new palatial 
marble building at the south-west corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets, 
facing the Court House square. This structure was originally designed 
for stores, offices, society rooms and sleeping apartments. It was yet 
incomplete when the war broke out. The Government took posses- 
sion of it on the 7th of September, 1861, making many necessary 
changes and additions. 

It has five stories and a basement, and fronts east and north ; the 
west being contiguous to the County Jail, the walls of which partially 
obstruct light and air up to the fourth story ; the fourth and fifth 
stories being well lighted. The south side is a blank wall, excepting 
a few feet on its western extremity. 

In the basement are two kitchens, each 20 by 75 feet, dark and 
imperfectly ventilated; a dining room of the same dimensions, 
lighted and ventilated only by Avindows, and a door in the area, and 
a store room of the same size, very dark ; also a small baggage room, 
sleeping rooms for the female employees, and an ash and garbage 
room communicating with each story. The kitchens are conveniently 
arranged and scrupulously clean. 

On the first floor are five large rooms averaging 25 beds, and 
allowing from 650 to 1,000 cubic feet for each bed. The corner 
room is best lighted and worst ventilated. No. 5 is imperfectly 
lighted and ventilated, and is rarely occupied. No. 3 and 4 are 
better ventilated. 

On the second floor are the offices of the Surgeon in charge, and 
the Steward, the pharmacy and dinning room for officers. There are 
six sick rooms, averaging from six to twelve beds, furnishing from 
600 to 700 cubic feet per bed. Nos. 8 and 9 are very dark, and only 
used in pressing emergency. On the west side of this, as of all other 
floors, is a neat comfortable room, and a kitchen for the female 
nurses, adjoining which, the dead room and bathroom are unavoidably 
placed. There is also an admirably arranged general baggage room. 
On the south side of this, as of all the floors above, are water closets. 

On the third floor are nine sick rooms, and the linen room. It is 
in every respect a duplicate of the second floor. 
2 



18 CITY OKNEKAL HOSPITAL. 

On i\\o fourth JIuor are 12 sick rooms, more spacious than those 
below. There is an average of GOO to 800 cubic feet per patient. 
Room No. 4 is 21 by 69 feet, and accomodates 20 patients. 

The fif/hJIou7' has nine sick rooms, even larger than those on the 
fourth lloor, but being one foot less in height, the capacity in cubic 
feet is materially less ; the average being 550. 

The advantages of this hospital are — Its central location, being 
nearly equi-distant from the several railroad depots, the steamboat 
landing, and near the army offices, the Medical Directors, the rooms 
of the Sanitary Commission, and the hotels; its unusual size, it 
having a capacity of 450 beds, although upon occasions of urgent 
necessity COO have been crowded in ; being new, it was entirely 
clean ; it is thoroughly drained into a public sewer ; it fronts upon 
Court House square and a spacious street ; gas is introduced 
throughout the house, and water is abundantly supplied by hydrants 
and a force pump, placed in one of the kitchens ; a fine wide hall, 
running nearly across the east front, and communicating by large, 
railed openings in the floors, from the vestibule to the roof, where 
ventilators are placed. The system of preserving and registering 
money and baggage, and other property of the patients, is an admi- 
rable one, and the great losses often sustained by them, elsewhere, 
do not occur. 

Its disadvantages are — The great number of small rooms, into 
which the structure is divided, rendering it extremely dif^cult to have 
it properly policed ; a general insufficiency of light, in the basement 
rooms, and in the interior building, and the partial interruption on 
the west, and total exclusion on the south, of light and ventilation, 
espe ially of the cool Southern breezes, which prevail during the 
summer in the great valley ; the contracted court yard, which does 
not admit sufficient light and air, to render the centre building 
suitable for hospital purposes ; the narrow halls on three sides of the 
house; the absence of a yard, verandas, or 0})en space where 
convalescing patients can obtain air and exercise, rendering their 
removal to some more favored position, for recuperation, imperative; 
its exposure to such atmospheric impurities as are to be found in the 
crowded streets of a large city, and its proximity to an over.-rowded 
prison ; its bight, which renders the service difficult, and of the 
hurtful reaction of the lower stories on the upper oiu'S ; all ingress 
and egress is over the second floor, by means of a broad, straight 



CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL. 19 

Staircase, communicating directly with the street, even patients for 
the first floor are only admitted directly to the wards when very help- 
less, the first floor is consequently noisy. 

On the first floor disinfectants and deodorizers are liberally used, 
and, to some extent, throughout the building ; on each floor a large 
charcoal filter is placed, for the purpose of purifying the river water, 
these have, however, fallen into disuse, most persons soon learning 
to prefer it in a turbid state ; the water closets are arranged in rows, 
against the south, or blank wall, in the four upper stories, they com- 
municate with a public sewer, and are kept in moderately good order ; 
the fourth and fifth floors, from their great elevation, have much 
better light and air than those below, and even the rooms of the 
•centre building are quite suitable for the sick. 

All the rooms occupied by the sick are kept in very good order ; 
those of the male nurses exhibit much neglect. 

The system of reposing rooms, invariably adopted in the modern 
hospitals of Europe, with excellent results, is not practiced in the 
United States. There, though possessing all appliances for heati::!g, 
lighting and ventilating rooms thoroughly, they are gradually vacated, 
every three months, and remain vacant a month. Especially is this 
the inviolable rule, when infectious diseases have occurred in them. 
Without the design of reposing rooms, this course has been pursued 
to some extent in this hospital, from motives of convenience — it is 
believed with good results. 

By the appended table, it will be seen that of the 4,179 admis- 
sions, 517 died, or 12| per cent. ; this result may, be regarded as a 
fair one, when it is considered that more than one-third of the 
casualties brought to the city have been received there, including 
many severe surgical cases, as well as a larger number of typhoid 
and pneumonia cases, than in any other hospital, many of whom 
were in a dying condition when received. These statistics will be 
found replete with interest to the physician, the surgeon and the 
philanthropist. 

Under the very able management of Brigade Surgeon U. S. V. Dr. 
John T. Hodgen, of St. Louis, this noble building has been converted 
into a really excellent hospital. To achieve success in this under- 
taking, demanded the highest order of intelligence, and the most 
determined resolution. Beside the material diflBculties, he had to 
overcome those arising from the division of opinion upon the great 
questions that now agitate the country, having under treatment both 



20 



CITV GENERAL HOSPITAL. 



prisoners of war and our own soldiers. He has never failed to do 
■ffbat he conceived to be his duty, and has won general respect and 
confidence by his firmness, faithfulness and skill. 

The "Fifth street Hospital," as it is usually called, will be held 
in grateful remembrance by many of our citizens, and the patients 
who have occupied it. It will hold a prominent place in the history 
of the war, in the Department of the Mississippi, and fill many an 
instructive page in the annals of medicine and surgery. 

DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL, CORNER FIFTU AND CHESNUT STREETS. 











Total 


No. 


Cubic ft. 


No. of No. of 
Windows. Doors. 


No. of 


Room. 


Length. 


Width. 


Hight. 


capacity in 
cubic ft. 


of 
Beds. 


for 
each bed. 


rransoui 
Lights. 


Q 


1 


75 


21 


14 


23,837 


24 


993 


2 


2 


3 


< 


2 


66 


21 


14 


20,097 


24 


837| 


2 


2 






3 


66 


IH 


14 


18,860 


22 


630 


2 


2 




4 


66 


21 


14; 


20,097 


25 


630 


2 


2 




I 5 


72 


22 


14; 


22,968 


28 


820 


3 


2 




^'f i 


26 


20 


12 


6,5.'')2 


10 


655-1-& 


3 






31 


21 


12 


7,812 


12 


651 


7 






d '^ 


31 


21 


12 


7,812 


11 


710 


3 






22 


21 


12 


5,544 


9 


610 


3 






^ [ 9 


22 


21 


12 


5,544 


8 


693 


3 








1 


25i 


20 


11 


5,750 


10 


575 


3 








3 


25i 


21 


11 


6,037 


10 


600 


3 






Q 

a 

< 


4 


31 


21 


11 


7,161 


12 


596J 


7 






5 


21 


16 


11 


3,693 


6 


616 


2 






^- 


6,7 


39 


21 


11 


9,009 


14 


643 


a 






a 


8 


21 


22 


11 


5,082 


10 


508 


3 






CO 


9 


21 


22 


11 


5,082 


10 


508 


4 








15 


29 


15^ 


11 


4,944 


8 


625 


2 








r 1 


26 


20 


11 


5,720 


8 


715 


3 








2 


26 


14 


11 


4,004 


6 


667i 
6671 


2 








3 


26 


21 


11 


6,006 


9 


3 






Q 


4 


69 


21 


11 


16,939 


20 


796-19-20 


12 






% 


5 


21 


16^ 


11 


3,811 


5 


772-4-5 


2 








6 


22 


21 


11 


5,082 


6 


847 


3 








21 


21 


11 


5,082 


6 


847 


4 






13 


45 


15 


11 


7,425 


10 


742J 


3 






•♦ 


14,15 


29 


14 


11 


4,466 


7 


638 


2 








16 


29 


14 


11 


4,466 


7 


638 


3 








17 


29 


13 


11 


4,147 


6 


691-1-6 


3 








r 2 


25 


14 


10 


3,.500 


6 


583-2-6 


2 








3 


25 


21 


10 


5,250 


10 


525 


3 






Q 


4 


87 


21 


10 


18,270 


29 


630 


14 








6 


22 


21 


10 


4,620 


8 


577^ 


3 






a 


7 


22 


21 


10 


4,620 


8 


577| 


4 






8 


41 


15^ 
15^ 


10 


6,457 


12 


.5381-12 


4 






12 


45 


10 


7,088 


13 


545-.3-13 


3 






tn 


15 


29 


14 


10 


4,060 


7 


580 


2 








I 16 


29 


13 


10 


3,770 


7 


538-4-7 


2 







GENERAL HOSPITAL. 

NEAR CAMP BENTON. 



This hospital is situated on Grand avenue, opposite the main 
entrance to the Fair Grounds. It is a double, two story frame 
house, with a broad piazza in front, narrow corridors and stair cases, 
and small rooms. It was built for a coffee house and summer hotel: 
Its immediate proximity to the extensive camp of instruction, 
and the necessity for a hospital there, decided its selection for 
that purpose. 

There are five rooms used for the sick, with a capacity for 57 beds, 

and an allowance, in cubic feet, of from 538 to 714 to each patient. 

The advantages of this building are — Its proximity to the Fair 

Grounds and Camp Benton, and its consequent convenience ; its fine 

site in a beautiful, open rolling country. 

Its disadvantages are — Its comparatively low ceilings and narrow 
corridors ; the proximity of the privies to the house, uniformly taint- 
ing the air with the eflluvia. 

In order to increase the capacity of this hospital, the adjacent 
shelter sheds were altered, and converted into two rooms, each 
14| by 80 feet, containing 19 beds, and allowing 371 cubic feet 
to each patient. The east room communicates with a privy, the 
exhalations from which were injurious to those who occupied that 
part of the room. 

Subsequently the elliptical building, recently used as a recruiting 
office, situated within the Fair Grounds, and distant 250 yards, was 
constituted a branch of the Camp Benton Hospital. It is a lofty, 
well lighted and ventilated room, 44 by 88 feet and 21 feet 4 inches 
liigh, with lantern lights two feet in hight, extending entirely around 
the building, originally intended for the exhibition of paintings and 
statuary during the annual fairs. It is crowded with 90 beds, yet 
the air is pure, and the cleanliness unsurpassable. There is a small 
kitchen and dining room attached, though convalescents obtain their 
meals at the main hospital. The water closets are convenient and 
■well kept. This building is charmingly located, being surrounded by 
majestic trees and luxuriant shrubbery. 



ingly good. The Surgeon in charge, Wm. Dickinson, M. D., U. S. 
v., has faithfully endeavored to overcome the disadvantages arising 
from the unsuitableness of the main building, and has exercised 
energy, industry and intelligence in its administration 

The rolling woodlands adjoining this hospital, were selected by 
the Western Sanitary Commission, upon which to erect extensive 
hospital barracks. The consummation of this plan was arrested 
by the supersedure of General Fremont in the command of this 
department. 

DKSCraPTION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL. 



No. Ward. Length, 



1 


40 


2 


335- 


3 


40 


4B 


191-6 


4A 


29 


5 


GO 


6 


60 



J20 

20 
I20 

12-5-6 

IH 

14-7-12' 

14-7-12, 



Recruit'g „„ 
office . . I **■* 



Eight. 



12.V 

12I 

12 

12 

12 

9| 

8i 

9-5-12 

81-6 

18 1-6 

24k 



811-12 



21-4-12 



Copftcityin Bgj3 
cubic feot. 



10,000 
8640 
9600 
2864 
5388- 



7048 
7048 



Cub. ft far Win- 
each bed. ! dows. 



714-4-14 

617-2-14 

685.10-14 

572-4-5 

538-8-10 

412-12-19 
370-18-19 
855.59-90 



Ventila 
tors. 



*Lanteni lights all around. 



THE GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL. 



Tliis hospital is situated on the corner of O'Fallon street and 
Pratte avenue. It stands elevated and isolated. It is a new edifice, 
three stories high, with a basement and attic. The house is divided 
by a cross passage in four sections of equal size ; the rooms are 
loftj, but small, having an average capacity of from 3 to 12 beds ; the 
floors throughout the house are oiled. 

The base7nenl is occupied by a kitchen, bakery, dining room, 
store room, and a baggage room. 

On ihefrsi floor are the offices, the pharmacy, and three sick 
rooms containing 18 beds. 

On the second floor are seven rooms for the sick, with from 3 to 
12 beds, and a cubic capacity of 650 feet to each patient. 

On the third floor are eight rooms for the sick, with from 3 to 
12 beds each, and a capacity, in cubic feet, of from 550 to 750 to 
each patient. 

The attic room extends across the entire front and sides of the 
building, the center of the rear being devoted to a laterine and to 
other purposes ; it is an unsightly room, with a low slanting ceiling 
insufficiently lighted and ventilated, and is uncomfortably Avarm in 
summer from the proximity of the slated roof ; it contains 32 beds, 
with a capacity, in cubic feet, of 395 to each. 

The advantages of this hospital are — Its elevated and isolated 
location ; its wide fine corridors, lofty ceilings, and general architec-^ 
tural fitness ; its piazzas, aftording opportunity for exercise in 
in inclement weather. 

Its disadvantages are — The insufficiency of water ; the rain is 
collected in tanks under the roof, and in cisterns in the yard, and is 
used for cooking ; the supply is inadequate and blackish ; a well in 
the yard does not furnish good water, possibly in consequence of its 
proximity to the vaults, though it is thought that the compact and 
impervious nature of the clay, would prevent percolation. This evil 
can be remedied without great cost, by the introduction of river 
water; the supply pipes being within a few squares. 

The unevenness of the surrounding surface, resulting in the forma- 
tion of many ponds in the immediate vicinity. 

The approaches are unpleasant in wet weather, the mud being deep 
and tenacious ; this disadvantage is susceptible of easy remedy, as a 
macadamized road is distant but a single square, and connection with 
it can readily be established. 



24 



THE GOOD SAMARITAN' 



There is a small two story building in the yard, 17 by 29 feet, with 
feet ceilings, containing four rooms, each holding six beds, and 
allowing to each bed 357 cubic feet of air. The ventilation is deficient. 

This hospital war, opened October 12, 18G1, and placed in charge 
of Thomas McMartin, ]\I. I). It was at first used exclusively for the 
treatment of Measles, while that disease prevailed in our camps — 
Pneumonia and Capillary Bronchitis supervening taxed the well 
known medical skill of the eminent surgeon in charge. In this 
hospital, there are no female nurses, the doctor declining to employ 
them. 

The general appearance of the house, as to order and cleanliness, 
has not been worthy of especial praise. 

The whole number of admissions is 1,718 ; of deaths, 149 — or 8] 
per cent. 



No. 




DESCRIPTION OF GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL. 






of Room. 


l.en^tli 


Widih. 


Hight. 


Cnpncity ia 
cubic feet. 


Beds. 


Cubic feet for 
eacli bed. 


Windows 


Trun'in 

lights. 


§ 


1 


17 


5-3-5 


15 


1425 


Office 






q 




23 


18 


15 


6210 


9 


690 


3 


3 


5 


9 


17 


17 


15 


4335 


6 


722j^ 


3 


2 




12 

lo 


18 


16 


14 


4024 


6 


672 


3 


2 




18 


16 


14 


4024 


6 


672 


3 


2 


K 


1.5 


17 


8 


14 


1904 


3 


^^11 


1 




O 
O 


16 


17 


8 


14 


1904 


3 




1 




^ - 


17 


17 


8 


14 


1904 


3 


617| 


1 




*18 


17 


8 


14 


1904 


3 


617| 


1 




(M 


19 


33 


18 


14 


8316 


12 


694" 


2 






[ 2.) 


23 


18 


14 


5796 


9 


644 


3 


3 




22 
23 


17 


17 


13 


3757 


6 


626-1-6 


3 


2 




17 


17 


13 


3757 


5 


757-2-5 


2 


2 




24 


17 


8 


13 


1768 


3 


589. 
589; 


1 




pi 


25 


17 


8 


13 


1768 


3 


1 




o 


26 


17 


8 


13 


1768 


3 


589; 


1 




I 


27 


17 


8 


13 


1768 


3 


589; 


1 




*28 


17 


8 


13 


1768 


3 


589. 


1 




Q 


29 


17 


34 


13 


7514 


12 


626 1-6 


5 




Ci 


30 


17 


24 


13 


5304 


9 


589-3-9 


3 


5 




Garret. 


78 


25 


3,8) 
8,1 1 


11,063 


32 


395.3-28 


10 




6 
5 
2 


1 


17 


14 


9 


2142 


6 


357 


2 


1 


^ ^ 


2 


17 


14 


9 


2142 


6 


357 


2 


1 


PQ 


3,4 


17 


14 


9 


2142 


6 


357 


2 


1 


u 

■< 

pq 





















*Nun 



THE FOURTH STREET HOSPITAL. 



This hospital is located on Fourth street, between Morgan street 
and Franklin avenue, in a part of the city usually occupied by market- 
wagons until a late hour in the morning. It is a new building, with 
an imposing marble front. It has five stories and a basement, and 
was designed for a hotel. The front and rear only are open, the 
sides are built up. It is under the charge of Dr. Madison Mills, 
Surgeon, U. S. A. It has accommodation for 387 patients, but has 
received as many as 500, 40 of whom were placed upon the floors. 
Most of the wards are cut up in small rooms, with the exception of 
the firsts the rooms of which are quite large, but badly lighted and 
ventilated. The east end of all the rooms in this ward is glass — 
show windows — perhaps one- quarter of it is susceptible of being 
opened. The opposite side of this street is built up with four story 
houses, — the rays of the sun are consequently excluded from this 
ward, except perhaps a few feet from the front windows. In the 
rear are two windows, but, being under a veranda, and facing 
outhouses, they do not admit much light. The few windows in front 
and rear are the only means of ventilation. The air coming in from 
the front is vitiated by the effluvia from a street occupied by market- 
wagons, horses, etc. ; and the air coming in from the rear is tainted 
by the exhalations of a series of laterines which are not more than 
20 feet from the windows. 

The patients in this ward have a larger allowance of space than in 
any other hospital in this city, being from 969 to l,4l9 cubic feet 
each, yet the air in this ward is not pure, invigorating and healthful. 
The want of sufficient light make these rooms gloomy, though they 
are kept in the best order, and scrupulously clean. 

The dining room is on the same floor ; it is a large, dingy, close 
room, and at meal times the air in it is oppressive. 

The kitchens and nurses' rooms occupy a part of this floor. The 
kitchens are hardly large enough for the demand on them. 

In the basement are the store and baggage rooms, large and 
spacious, but dark, close and cheerless. 

On the second floor are eleven rooms, — four only are occupied by 
the sick, — the rest are offices, a pharmacy, linen room, etc. ; the}' are 
well adapted to the purpose, and are kept in good order. 

Only room No. 7 — designed as a dining room of the hotel — is of 



::G the Fouiixri stiieet hospital. 

large size, and makes a very good \Yard. It is well lighted by 
thirteen large windows, well aired in warm weather, but not so in 
winter, when most of the windows were closed, and the room heated 
by four monstrous stoves. This room has thirty-six beds, and allows 
to each patient 869 cubic feet. 

Rooms Nos. 1, 7 and 11, fronting on Fourth street, are roomy, 
airy and light, and are finished in parlor style, contrasting strongly 
with the humble furniture therein. They accommodate from four to 
seven beds each. The double room, No. 10, is too dark for the 
occupancy of patients. 

On the iliird JJoor are twenty-four rooms, fourteen of which are 
occupied by patients, the rest by nurses and employees. They are 
all small, and of unequal size, averaging from four to six beds, and 
of a capacity, in cubic feet, from 515 to 992 per patient. Rooms 
21, 22, 2o, 24 are so dark and so badly aired that they should be 
closed. It must be an irksome task for both physician and nurses 
to attend the sick in small rooms, and difficult to keep them in order 
or to police them. 

The fourth JIuu?' has thirty-three rooms, — the twenty- four for the 
patients contain from two to seven beds each, with a cubic capacity 
of from 700 to 1,224 feet per bed. 

The same may be said of the fif/h Jloor, which has also thirty- 
three rooms, twenty of which are for the sick ; from two to ten in a 
room, with from 600 to 1,000 cubic feet for each patient. 

Ventilation is effected exclusively through doors and windows, and 
when in winter, these are closed, the air in the rooms is vitiated. 
They are heated by stoves. The labor is very great of coaling, firing 
and cleansing seventy stoves or more. 

The water reaches to the fourth floor. 

Each floor has its own dead room, which was perhaps unavoidable, 
in consequence of the peculiar construction of the house. 

The water closets are only on three floors; are kept clean and in good 
order, but are insufficient in number. Two tiers of laterines had to 
be improvised in tlie already very small yard, which are liept in good 
order, and liberally treated with deodoizers. The rear of the house 
has broad piazzas, on every story, an invaluable resort of the invalids. 

Many thanks are due to the surgeons in charge — Doctors Mills 
and Grove — for having made this unsuitable building answer the 
purpose as well as it does, and attain unexpectedly good results. 



FOURTH STREET HOSPITAL. 



27 

deaths, 229— 



The whole number of admissions have been 2,676 
8J per cent. 

Like the Fifth street Hospital, it was the main receptacle of the- 
very sick, and of the severely wounded. Its central position renders. 
it most accessible. The medical and surgical records are replete- 
with interesting and instructive cases. 

DESCKIPTION OF FOURTH STREET HOSPITAL. 



No. of Room. 


Length. 


Width. 


Hight. 


Capacity in 
cubic feet. 


Beds. 


Cubic feet for 
each bed. 


Windows. 


Doors. 





ij 


104.00 
22.00 
17.00 


20.00 
28.00 
16.00 


(l3.4 


51,484 


46 


111910-46 


1 front. 
4 roar. 


2 


ly 


2 


98.00 


16.00 


13.4 


20,906 


Dining 


rooms. 


2 


2 






( 


20.00 


) 












3 


98.0) 


24.00 


} 13.4 


38,314 


27 


1419 


2 front. 


2 






( 


16.00 


) 














4 


98.00 


20 . 00 


13.4 


26,133 


27 


767-10-27 


2 


2 




5 


Kitchn 


and 


nurses' 


rooms. 










g f 1 

^4 ^ 


24. 9 


20. 6 


13.2 


66571 


7 


959- 4-78 


3 


I 


56. 8 


42. 2 


13.2 


31, .304 


36 


869-20-39 


13 


2 


^ 1 10* 


20. 4 


15. 7 


13.2 


4148 


4 


1037 


2 


1 


a (^ 11* 


20. 4 


15. 7 


13.2 


5148 


4 


2037 


2 


I 




2 


24. 8 


20. 4 


11.6 


5750 


6 


958-2-6 


3 


I 




3 


24. 8 


17.00 


11.6 


4964 


5 


992-2-5 


2 


1 




4 


24. 8 


16. 3 


11.6 


4692 


6 


782 


2 


I 


a 


5 


16. 


9.00 


11.6 


1656 


2 


828 


1 


I 


■< 


6 


24. 8 


16. 3 


11.6 


4692 


6 


282 


2 


I 


^- 


7 


24. 8 


17.00 


11.6 


4964 


5 


993 


2 


1 




9, 10 


22. 8 


16. 9 


10.0 


3740 


6 


623-2-6 


2 


2 


CO 


11,12 


18. 4 


16. 8 


10.0 


2000 


4 


515 


2 


2 




21,22* 


18. 4 


16. 8 


10.0 


2060 


4 


515 


2 


2 




23, 24* 


22. 8 


16. 2 


10.0 


3740 


6 


623 2-6 


2 


2 




r 1 


24. 5 


13.10 


10.9 


4305 


5 


861 


2 






2 


24. 5 


15.10 


10.9 


4305 


5 


861 


2 






3 


24. 5 


16.11 


10.9 


6120 


5 


1224 


2 






4 


24. 5 


16.11 


10.9 


6120 


5 


1224 


2 






5 


17. 3 


8. 4 


10.9 


1643 


2 


821i 


1 






6 


24. 5 


16.11 


10.9 


6120 


5 ^ 


1224 


1 






7 


24. 5 


16.11 


9.0 


4878 


5 


975i 


■2 






iQ 


16.10 


12. 7 


9.0 


2547 




849 


1 




Q 


11 


16.10 


9. 4 


9.0 


1674 


2 


837 


1 




■< 


12,13 


16.10 


18. 5 


9.0 


3520 


4 


880 


2 




^■ 


14 


16.10 


8.10 


9.0 


27.36 


2 


1368 


1 






19 


10. 6 


16. 8 


9.0 


2385 


2 


11921 


2 




1 


20 


16.10 


9. 4 


9.0 


1674 


2 


837 


1 






22,23 


16.10 


18. 5 


9.0 


3520 


5 


704 


2 


2 




24,25 


22. 4 


16. 8 


9.0 


3366 


7 


480-6 7 


2 


a 




28 


20. 9 


12. 8 


10.9 


4161 


4 


1015i 


I 






29 


20. 9 


7. 4 


10.9 


1859 


2 


9291 


1 






30 


20. 9 


7 4 


10.9 


1859 


2 


929I 


1 






31 


20. 9 


7. 4 


10.9 


1S59 


2 


929i- 


1 






32 


20. 9 


7. 4 


10.9 


1879 


2 


929I 


1 






L 33 


20. 9 


17. 4 


10.9 


3870 


5- 


774 


1 





28 



FOrRTIl STREET HOSPITAL. 



No 


of Room. 


Length. 


Width. 


Eight. 


Capacity In 
cubic feet. 


Bods. 


Cubic feet for 
each be.l. 


Windows. 


Doors. 




f 1.2 


24. 2 


27.11 


8.8 


6312 


10 


601-2-3 


4 


2 




;i 


24. 2 


17. 2 


8.8 


4529 


7 


647 


2 






4 


24. 2 


16. 8 


8.8 


448.') 


6 


747 


2 






5 


24. 2 


16. 8 


8.8 


4485 


5 


897 


2 






6 


8.00 


16. 8 


8.8 


1088 


2 


544 


1 






8 


24. 2 


17. 2 


8.8 


4529 


6 


754-2-3 


2 






!t* 


17.00 


18.11 


8.8 


3496 


5 


699 1-5 


1 




c 


11) 


17.00 


9. 1 


8.8 


1528 


2 


764 


1 




~ 


17 


17. 3 


16.10 


8.8 


3336 


none 





3 




> 


i;i 


17. 3 


9. 3 


8.8 


1624 


2 


812 


2 






2:i 


17. 8 


9. 3 


8.8 


1624 


2 


812 


2 




H 


24 


17. 3 


16.10 


8.8 


3336 


5 


667-1-5 


1 




at: 


2(5 


20. 6 


13. 1 


8.8 


2728 


4 


682 


1 






27 


20. 6 


7. 6 


8.8 


1928 


2 


804 


1 






28 


20. 6 


7. 6 


8.8 


1928 


2 


804 


1 






29 


20. 6 


7. 6 


8.8 


1928 


2 


804 


1 






30 


20. 6 


7. 6 


8.8 


1928 


2 


804 


1 






31 


20. 6 


17. 6 


8.8 


4148 


4 


1012 


1 






32 


16.10 


17. 6 


8.8 




4 


810 


4 















I" Very dark. 



PACIFIC HOSPITAL. 



This hospital is situated on Spruce street, betAveen Seventh and 
Eighth, within one square of the depot of the Pacific Raikoad. It 
is four stories high, of brick, and fronts south. 

Its proximity to the Pacific Raikoad induced the Western Sanitary 
Commission to select it for a Receiving House, where patients, 
arriving at night, by rail, might receive care, and medical or 
surgical treatment, until distributed among the various hospitals. 

This humane arrangement was not permitted to be of long 
continuance, it being soon converted into a general hospital by the 
Medical Director, J. J. B. Wright, Surgeon, U. S. A. 

On i\i.Q first floor, and nearly level with the sidewalk, is the office 
of the steward, the pharmacy and the dining room. There is also 
one ward with sixteen beds, allowing each patient 654 cubic feet of 
air. It is poorly ventilated by a front window, which can be opened 
only in part. In the rear building is a small kitchen. The yard is 
small, paved with brick, and contains a two story brick privy, placed 
near the kitchen. 

A narrow hall extends throughout the second, third and fourth 
floors, from front to rear ; there are three rooms on each side, the 
front ones having two windows each, the centre ones being without 
communication with the external air, except through small doors. 
They are consequently neither lighted nor ventilated ; they contain 
from four to eight beds each, and allow from 480 to 750 cubic feet 
of air to every patient ; Nos. 2 and 6, which were abandoned, were, 
together with Nos. 10, 11 and 14, totally unfit for use ; No. 1& 
leaked badly. 

The rear rooms on the west are furnished with a single window, 
near the rear building, and are consequently inadequately lighted or 
ventilated. Those on the east were furnished with two. 

The second story of the back building contained a nurses' kitchen ; 
and an open gallery communicated with the upper privies. 

Between the main and rear building, a narrow open space was used 
as a receptacle for soiled linen. 

The advantages of this hospital are — Its convenience to the 
depot of the Pacific Railroad, which, with its branch, penetrates 
nearly to the scene of active military operations in South-west 



30 



PACIFIC HOSPITAL. 



MissouTi and Nortli-wcst Arkansas ; its Southern frontage in the 
direction of the prevailing suninier winds, which are not interrupted 
bv other buiklings. 

7/5 disadvantages arc — That it is old and poorly built, badly 
arranged and illy adapted to the uses to which it is applied; the 
adjoining property is occupied by small shops or tenements, and is 
never well kept or thoroughly clean ; the privies situated in the yard 
do not communicate with a sewer, and consequently demand constant 
care and frequent cleaning; having a market house immediately 
opposite, it is rarely quiet, market wagons and carts passing 
frequently during nearly all hours of day and night. For the same 
reason Hies are unusually troublesome, and the odors of the market 
and its surroundings are decidedly disagreeable ; the dark centre 
rooms, and the dimly lighted ones of the rear, are neither of them 
at all suitable for hospital purposes ; and so with the narrow stair- 
ways and corridors. 

Considering its many disadvantages, its general appearance has 
been creditable, and E. M. Powers, M. D., U. S. V., and 0. Martin, 
M. D., U. S. v., who have had charge of it, deserve commendation 
for the success of their administrations. The number of cases 
admitted was 626, and of deaths 59, or 9J per cent. 

This building has been abandoned as a hospital. 

DESCRIPTION OF PACIFIC HOSPITAL. 



No. of Pvoom. 1 Length. 


Width. 


night. ! 


Capnoity in | 
cubic feet. : 


Beds. 




Windows. 


Doors. 


1 St Floor. 




l".f 


i;}i-6. 


10,472 1 


16 


6541-2 


1 


1 


2(1 Floor. 


2 

•3 

6 

7 


18i 
18| 
1.5| 
15| 
19' 


U4 
14. 

14; 

15i 


10-5-6 
10-. 5-6 
10-5-G 
10-5-6 
10-5-6 


3410 
2620 
2620 
2620 
4520 




486 6-7 
630 
630 
630 
753 1-3 


2 

1 

1 

none. 


1 
1 

1 


^d Floor. 


10 

W 

13 
14 

8 


13i 
14- 7-12 

18:r 

IBir 


15;^ 

15; 

1^1 


9| 

9| 
9§ 
9| 


3276 
3537 
4536 
4536 
4536 
4536 




655 1-5 

884 

756 

648 

567 

647 


1* 






2 

none. 

2 


1 
1 
1 

I 


4th Floor 16 
17 
18 
20 
21 
15 


15- 7-12 
13-11-12 
18- 2-3 
18- 2-3 
1311-12 
15- 7-12 


14^ 

13-7-12 

14-1-K 

14-1-li: 

15-7-lS 

14^ 


9-2-3 
1 9-2-3 
1 9-2-3 
9-2-3 
9-2-3 
9-2-3 


3537 
1998 
3615 
3615 
1998 
3537 


6 
6 
4 
5 


607 2-5 
499 1-4 
602 1-2 
602 1-2 
499 1-4 
607 2-5 


1 
1 
2 
2 
1 
1 


1 

1 
1 

1 
1 



Very bad. 



SMALL POX HOSPITAL. 



This hospital is situated on Duncan's Island, in the Mississippi 
river ; it was selected by the city authorities years ago as the most 
isolated spot on which to erect a small pox hospital ; the channel is 
upon the eastern side of the Island, and it is approachable from the 
western shore only by skills ; it is uncultivated, and above high water, 
having been entirely submerged but once, in 1844. 

The city building is a comfortable frame house, 30 by 120 feet; 
the hall running north and south ; there are verandas on both sides ; 
the rooms are designed for tAvo patients each, and have a cubic 
capacity of from 1,430 to 1,870 feet; they are well ventilated, and 
susceptible of being lighted, or darkened at pleasure ; it is capable of 
accommodating 40 beds. 

During the winter of 1861-2, small pox frequently occurred among 
our troops, and the accommodations became inadequate ; Government 
then erected a similar building quite near, and upon the same plan ; 
it has not as great cubic capacity, and, having been built during 
frosts, was not plastered. 

During the winter great difficulty is experienced in crossmg to the 
Island, in consequence of storms, or floating ice ; an old vacant stone 
building on the St. Louis shore, was therefore taken as a receiving 
house, and patients attended there until an opportunity for crossing 
occurred. 

Many cases occurred of small pox, complicated with typhoid fever 
of long standing ; pneumonia supervening measles, or compound 
comminuted fractures, frequently transported great distances, and 
suffering from extreme exhaustion. As a result, the mortality has 
been great, being 63 deaths out of 276 admissions, or 23 per cent. 
The result may be regarded as fair when the circumstances are 
considered. 



32 



SMALL I'OX IIOSI'ITAI., 



The Government at first puid the cit}' steward 40 cents a day for 
each patient, but finding that they Avere not properly cared for, the 
hospital was placed under military control. It is now well organized, 
and is most ably conducted by E. F. Smith, ]\I. D., the health oilicer 
of the city, an energetic, faithful and skillful physician. 

DF.SCRIPTION OF SMALL-1'OX HOSPITAL. 



No. of 
Rooms. 


Length. Will. 

1 


i; 1 .acapnci- 
11 cub. ft. 


No. of 
beds. 


Cub. ft for No. of 
each bed. mndows. 


No. of I Venti- 
Doors. ! lators. 


1 
8 each, ' lU- 11 
12 " llj IC^- 

24 cacli* 7^ 12^ 


10 
10 

8 


1430 
1879 

7G8 


2 
2 

2 


:.')0 
935 

2 


1 

K 

1 


1 ; 

1 
' 1 ' 



* There never was more than one patient in a room in tlie Military Department. 



HICKORY STREET HOSPITAL. 



This hospital is in two adjoining three story and attic dwellings, 
built of brick, facing south, and fronting Hickory street. Like all 
such structures, they are inconveniently arranged for hospital 
purposes. 

In the east house, the office is in the front parlor, and the pharmacy 
in the rear. In the west house, the parlors are used as sick rooms. 

In each house, there are two chambers on the second floor, 
containing eight beds, with 871 cubic feet of atmosphere for each. 

On the third floors are ten beds, giving but 489 cubic feet of air, 
too crowded for comfort or health. 

The attic is not now used for the sick, not being suitable. 

On the first floor of one of the back buildings is the kitchen ; of 
the other, the dining room, both in good order. 

On the second floors are two sick rooms, with three and four 
beds, respectively, and 405 cubic feet of air for each bed. They are 
hot and badly ventilated. The kitchen chimney passes through the 
partition wall. The use of these rooms for the sick ought to be 
abandoned. 

Both of them are scrupulously clean, although the service must be 
{very laborious in these contracted houses. 

[ No female nurses are employed in this hospital. It is in charge 
of S. H. Melcher, M. D., U. S. V., and was intended for the use of 
the reserve corps of Missouri Volunteers. 

There have been 1,240 admissions, and 20 deaths, or 1 5-8 per 
cent. 

DESCRIPTION OF HICKORY STREET HOSPITAL. 



2d floor, . . 
3d floor, . , 



Length. 


Width. 


Hight. 


Capacity 

m cubic 

feet. 


Beds. 


Cubic feet 

for each 

Bed. 


Windows 


32 


16 5-6 


11 1-3 


6974 


8 


871 3-4 


4 


32 


16 5-6 


9 3-4 


4896 


10 


489 3-5 


4 


15 5-12 


11 1-6 


9 1-2 


1620 


4 


405 


1 


15 5-12 


11 1-6 


9 1-2 


1620 


3 


540 


1 



The same in adjoining house. All the rooms are offices. 



THE CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, NO. 1, 



This hospital is situated in a building in the Fair Grounds, known 
as the "Mechanics' ILill," which was used during our annual agricul- 
tural fair, for exhibiting manufactured articles of large size and 
ponderous weight ; its shape is nearly that of a Maltese cross, with 
so many additions, that its original design is entirely obliterated. It is 
a lofty, roomy, frame building, battened, amply ventilated and lighted 
by wimlows, doors, belfry-ventilators, and transom lights. An addi- 
tional floor has been laid, 16 inches over the old and rough one, which 
rested immediately on the ground. Thus, a current of air is admitted 
under .the new floor, w^hich adds greatly to the healthfulness of the 
rooms. 

There are four wards in the main building, furnished with Ijunks, 
which stand very close together. Fortunately the invalids spend 
nearly all their time out of doors, thus preventing the air becoming 
foul. 

Ward No. 1 is nearly square, and accommodating 98 patients, with 
609 cubic feet for ench; there is a reasonable space between the 
bunks. It is admirably ventilated and lighted. 

Ward No. 2 is even better; there are 52 bunks standing still 
further apart, and giving 867 cubic feet to each patient. 

Ward No. 3 is not as good; it is a long narrow room, with 52 
bunks, all in one row, but so closely packed as to allow only 434 cubic 
feet for each patient. Still the ventilation is good, owing to the 
numerous windows, and the clearstory lights over the whole length of 
the room. 

Ward No. 4 is 220 feet long, of ua^qual width and hight ; 232 
invalids are stowed away in it on as many bunks, which are arranged 
in four long rows, with no space to pass between them. But for the 
hight of this ugly looking room, and the lights along the whole length 
of the roof, it would be impossible for so many persons to lie so closely 
together. 

Ward No. 5 is a neat cottage building, about 75 feet from the 

ther, standing isolated in a handsome grove of stately trees ; it wat 

formerly used for exhibiting textile fabrics. Those of the valetudi- 



THE CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, NO. 1. 



35 



narians who are obliged to keep tlieir beds, are lodged and attended 
there ; it is admirably adapted to the purpose, with light and air in 
superabundance— 2,133 cubic feet for each patient— and a cheerful- 
ness about its whole appearance that never fails to produce a happy 
eflect on the invalid. 

To this Convalescent Hospital is attached a large comfortable 
reading room, well supplied with books and periodicals, a large 
dining room, and a hath house, of sufficient capacity to accommo- 
date all the invalids who desire to indulge in the luxury of a warm 
or cold bath. 

On the whole, as a convalescent hospital proper, when it is intended 
that a patient should spend much of his time out of doors, this 
hospital is very good. Its location in the Fair Grounds, with their 
quiet and shady walks, and ample supply of water, can hardly be 
improved upon. Add to it, the wholesome and abundant fare, the 
kind and indefatigable attention of the surgeon in charge, Dr. W. S. 
Dyer, and the other attendants, it cannot fail to answer its end well, 
provided it is not again overcrowded, as it was when first opened. 
At present it accommodates 454 bunks. A reduction of one-fourth 
of that number is a great desideratum. 

The number of admissions has been 1,688, and the deaths 35, 
making 2 1-8 per cent. 

DESCRIPTION OF CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL. No. 1. 



No. of 
Ward. 


Length. 


Width. 


Higbt. 


Talal capa- 
city in cu- 
bic feet. 


No. of 

Beds. 


Cubic feet for 
each Bed. 


No. of 

Win- 
dows. 


No. of 
Doors. 


No. of 
Belfries 


No. of 

transom 
lights. * 


1 
•2 
.S 


70 
47 
99 


62 
19 


1.5 
15 
12 


G0760 
45126 
22572 


98 
52 
52 


609 1-4 
867 42-52 
434 3-12 


6 

8 
8 


4 
3 
3 


2 
2 
5 


6 
12 


1- 

5 


77 
122 


38 
38 


15 ) 
19^ 


110,640 


232 


476 208-232 


7 


4 






21 
59 


20 
37 


19) 


43660 


20 


2133 


2 


4 




6 



Transepts all around. 



THE MARINE HOSPITAL. 



The United States Marine Hospital occupies one of the finest and 
most elevated sites in the vicinity of St. Louis, overlooking the 
Father of Waters for many miles, and having a view of the ■vvliole 
city, the " American Bottom," and the range of wooded blufls in 
the State of Illinois. It was commenced by the United States 
Government about 1854, for the benefit of sailors and boatmen. It 
not being required for that service, (the blockade of the river 
destroying the commerce of the port,) it was converted into a military 
hospital. It is constructed of stone, iron and brick, is thoroughly 
well built, and cost an enormous sum of money. It fronts south- 
west, and is suiTounded by extensive grounds, partly cultivated by 
the convalescent patients as a kitchen garden, and partly in lawn, 
interspersed with groups of forest trees. It is a high, square, 
ungraceful looking house, flanked by four towers, front and rear, 
against which abut broad verandas, on two stories. The basement 
is divided into numerous apartments, the external and partition walls 
of which are constructed of square blocks of white lime-stone. It is 
occupied by an engine room, lamp room, steam laundry, store rooms, 
ironing rooms and dead room. The three stories are precisely alike 
in arrangement, consisting of four large double parlors, divided by 
folding doors at will, with a wide hall passage through the house, 
communicating with verandas, front and rear, and having the main 
staircase rise straight from the centre. The rooms are of equal size, 
18 by 48 feet, and 11 to 12| feet in hight. The whole house is 
heated by steam from registers ; ventilation is performed by means 
of doors, windows and small open fire places. 

On the frst floor is the pharmacy, the store room, dining room 
and kitchen, and a large reception room ; only one double room 
being used for the sick. 

The second and thii^d floors are devoted exclusively to the sick. 
The wards are all furnished with iron bedsteads, and are in perfect 
order. Each room contains nine beds ; and the allowance of atmos- 
pheric air, in cubic feet, is from 489 to 546. The towers are occupied 



THE MARINE HOSPITAl! 



37 



by staircases, water closets and nurses' kitchens— all kept in most 
exquisite order. •'"""' 

The attic is divided into a square, centre hall, from which rises a 
spiral staircase to the observatory ; two finished rooms, large and 
lofty, but inadequately lighted and ventilated, used as sleeping rooms 
for nurses and employees ; a very large and well arranged baggage 
room, where the property of patients is classified by States, and each 
package marked with the owner's name and contents ; and an 
unfinished room, containing the water tanks, which are filled by a 
steam pump from cisterns : from these, water is conveyed to every 
part of the house. The supply of rain-water being insufiicient, 
immense quantities are carted from the river in tanks. 

Ascending the spiral staircase to the observatory, a magnificent 
view is had, over river, prairie, hills, bluffs, villages and bound- 
less rolling woodlands. 

The whole house is well finished, furnished and policed, andkept 
in unsurpassable order. On the grounds are stables for ambulance 
and Avater- tank horses, and well constructed privies for convalescents. 

The house has accommodation for 162 patients, and is somewhat 
crowded. The number of admissions has been 289, of whom 31, or 
11 per cent., have died. 

This hospital is in charge of Brigade Surgeon, S. H. Melcher, 
U. S. v., who is entitled to great credit for the admirable organi- 
zation and administration of his charge. 

The disadvantages of this building are — The arrangement of 
the sick rooms, in groups of four, prevents proper ventilation ; the 
absence of windows, on three sides of the end rooms, of each story ; 
the total absence of ventilating flues ; the insufficient supply of 
water ; the absence of out-buildings, for kitchens and other acces- 
sories, of the hospital. 



DESCRIPTION OF MARINE HOSPITAL. 



Boom. 


Length. 


Width. 


Illght. 


Capacity in 
cubic feet. 


Beds. 


Cubic feet for 
each bed. 


Windows. 


Doors. 


1st Floor... 


43| 
43| 
43| 

24 


1% 
18| 
181 

19| 


\-2h 

n" 
11 

131 


9S40 

8806 
8806 

4236 


18 
18 

18 


546 

489 
489 




2 


2d " ... 




2 


Sd " ... 




2 


Attic 


1 in front. 

2 flues. 













CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, NO. 2. 



This hospital is located in the Benton Barracks, occupying two of 
those long, low, illj constructed barrack buildings, where many of 
our soldiers have sickened and suffered. It is universally acknowl- 
edged that this was an unfortunate selection of ground for a 
cantonement. The location of these barracks is a low basin, a dried 
up swamp ; the soil is a black loom, composed of vegetable matter 
partially decomposed ; from the surface and the surroundings, 
evaporations take place to such a degree, that the whole camp is 
overhung with a misty fog or vapor, until a late hour in the morn- 
ing, thus rendering the atmosphere murky, damp and chilly. The 
whole surface of the camp being a dead level, drainage becomes 
impossible ; the water is found stagnant in the trenches, ditches, even 
in the box-sewers around the buildings. The barrack buildings are 
several miles in length ; they were radically defective, and acknowl- 
edged to be so at the very outset, but were neither altered or 
improved, in order probably to preserve the original type and uniform 
syrametery. The laws of health were defied at every step in their 
construction, until at present they are irremediable ; they are long 
and low structures with little air or light, unsightly without, and 
gloomy within ; the floors are laid flat upon the carbonaceous ground, 
are actually lower than the surrounding surface in a large proportion 
of them, and, therefore, no currents of air are admitted beneath to 
expel the moisture arising from the soil, but it is rather invited into 
the apartment by the vacuum produced by Avarm temperature, hot 
stoves, or in the proximity of which perspiration is encouraged, 
only to be suddenly checked, and the body chilled when leaving 
them. 

These barracks were planned to allow an apartment for a company, 
but the demand for more room was so clamorous, that often two 
companies were crowded into one room. The laws of hygiene were 
outraged by this packing system, and dearly did we have to pay for 
it with the forfeit of many valuable lives. 



CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, NO. 



39 



These so justly decried barracks were selected by the late Medical 
Director, Dr. J. J. B. Wright, for a Convalescent Hospital. Some 
alterations were made. The several Hers of bunks were taken down 
and replaced by several roics, which are arranged around the walls, 
and in two rows, tete-a-tete, in the center. The interior has been 
whitened, and windows, doors and belfry ventilators have been added, 
to admit more light and air ; but these remedy the evil only in part. 
The almost flat roof, and the unshaded, thin walls, afford protection 
from the direct rays of the sun, but the air within is warm, musty 
and mephitic. There are old drains running under the buildings, 
which emit noxious odors — a sirocco-like air — which, at times, fills 
the barracks. There is but one shade tree near. The patients are 
limited to the very narrow veranda in front of the building, or to the 
room itself, to find shelter from the sun or rain. 

In a row of buildings of the same length, and running parallel 
with the barracks, but separated from them by a narrow street, are 
the kitchens and dining rooms, which, in dry weather, are tolerable. 
Dust and mud cannot be kept out of them. 

There is plenty of water and bath houses, but none of the comforts 
of the Convalescent Hospital No. 1. 

There are eight wards at present, occupied by 525 beds, allowing 
to each patient only from 390 to 423 cubic feet. 

As many more wards can readily be opened ; but it is certainly not 
desirable. The packing process is practiced here to an alarming 
extent. Many a convalescing soldier, sent here to recuperate, had to 
be returned to a general hospital; and quite a large number are 
under medical treatment here. It is to be hoped that these barracks 
will not long be used for hospital purposes. Our brave soldiers 
deserve to bo better cared for. 

The best efforts of the Surgeon in charge, and the liberal contri- 
butions of the community, cannot make up for radical defects of 
locality and structure. 

The Convalescent Hospital, No. 2, was opened May 1st. There 
have been 1888 admitted, of whom 3 died. 

Since the above was written, I am gratified to hear that the 
Superintending Surgeon of the Hospitals in the Fair Grounds and 
Benton BaiTacks, Dr. D. L. McGugin, U. S. V., has determined to 
vacate it as early as practicable, and transfer all patients to Conva- 
lescent Hospital No. 1. No new cases will be taken in future. 



40 



CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, NO. 2. 



DESCRIPTION OF CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, No. 2. 



No of 
Ward. 


Length. 


Width. 


„, ,. Totnlcnpn- 
Hignt. city In g„. 

Mo feut. 


No. of Cubic fe«t for 
Beds, i each bod. 


1 Wln- 
j dows. 


Doors. 


Be,. 

fries. 


Tran- 
som 
Li^'hi.s. 


1 


G9 


40 


ll.V 31,740 


70 453 30-70 


' .0 






fl 


2 


86 


40 


llX 39,560 


93 1 425 35-93 


12 


3 


5 




3,4, 5 


246 


32 


11; , 90,528 


206 


439 04-206 


66 


6 


12 


42 






32 


IH 20,608 


52 


396 22-52 


16 


2 


2 


10 




56 


32 


11. 20,608 


52 


396 22-52 


14 


2 


2 


10 


8 


56 


32 


11.; 20,608 


52 


396 252 2 


14 


2 


2 


10 



JEFFERSON BARRACKS HOSPITAL. 



Jefterson Barracks is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi 
river, on very handsome rolling ground, richly wooded and abundantly 
supplied with spring, well, and cistern water. The barrack buildings, 
erected about thirty years since, are massive stone structures, 
occupying three sides of a very large open square. The west side 
has two rows of two story buildings, with attic and basement, and 
verandas in front and rear, formerly used for offices and quarters for 
officers. The rooms are only of moderate size, low, but well venti- 
lated and lighted, and intercommunication is easy. 

The basement is appropriated to the kitchen, linen room, storage 
and dining room. A well paved porch is west of it, which opens 
directly into a large yard. The culinary department is thus entirely 
separated from, and yet of ready access to, the main buildings. 

The kitchens, pantry, store and dining rooms are in admirable 
order. Each building or ward has its own separate culinary and 
eating departments, which may be deemed unnecessary at first sight, 
but prooably unavoidable on account of the extent of the buildings. 

Wards A and B are in the buildings just mentioned. Part of the 
Ji7'st floor is used as offices and a general pharmacy, and the 
remainder for sick rooms. On the second floor are only sick rooms. 
There are forty rooms in these two wards' — twenty of them are 17 J 
by 16.1-8 feet, 11|^ feet high, allowing 998.1-5 cubic feet per 
patient, and twenty are 14 by 14, allowing 724.2-5 feet, yet each 
contains five beds. They are all models of cleanliness and order, 
well ventilated and lighted, and not overcrowded. 

The attic is chiefly used for storing baggage, which is under lock 
and key, and in charge of a responsible person, whose system of 
labeling and registering baggage is ingenious, and worthy of imita- 
tion. A part of the attic rooms are fitted up with beds, to be used 
only in emergency. The broad verandas, on both sides of these 
buildings, afiording protection on rainy and sunny days. The pros- 
pect from them is of great extent and beauty. 



4J JEFKERSON HARRACKS HOSPITAL. 

Ward C is on the south-cast corner of the square — is preciselj 
similar in construction and arrangement to tlie two preceding wards. 
It has twenty rooms of the same dimension as above, and hoh.ls as 
many beds. 

The attic, at all times an uncomfortable place, contains nine beds, 
with only 428 cubic feet per bed. It should never be used. 

On the north and south sides of the square, or parade ground, are 
two long rows of one story stone buildings, with verandas on both 
sides, the barracks of former days. The partitions have been taken 
out of these buildings, and they are thus converted into very long 
wards, capable of acconmiodating from forty to eighty patients each. 
Unfortunately, these rooms are only 10|- feet high, consequently the 
number of cubic feet allowed to each patient is far below the 
minimum : yet the air in these rooms is perfectly pure and sweet ; 
for the number of windows and glass doors, with transom lights over 
the doors, is large — one for almost every 6 or 8 feet ; beside these 
are open fire places, and belfry ventilators, so that, even in winter, 
when doors and windows are kept closed, the renewal of air is 
sufficient for practical purposes. 

The wards look ncAV, and have a very cheerful appearance, and 
may challenge comparison with any sick room of this or any 
other country. The conveniences in these Avards are great, each 
having cellars, out-houses and large yards, which facilitate the labors 
of the attendant, and add greatly to the comfort of the patient. 
Each of the Avards is a separate establishment in all its details. 

These buildings constitute Wards E, F, L, with several large 
rooms each. 

There is a pavilion on an eminence, just north of the barracks, in 
the midst of a grove of large forest trees, which w^as originally the 
Post Hospital. It was the first Military Hospital in this Department, 
when this war broke out. It is a two story stone building, with a 
high basement and an attic, surrounded on all sides with a broad 
veranda, (also two stories high,) giving the establishment an air of 
comfort and beauty. The whole building has l)een renovated from 
garret to cellar. 

In the basement are the kitchen, pantry, store and dining rooms. 

On the first floor are the pharmacy, the surgeons' and stewards' 
quarters, and two large wards, with twenty beds each — the bedsteads 
are of iron. 



JEFFERSON BARRACKS HOSPITAt. 43 

On the second floor are four rooms, witli forty-two beds, partly of 
iron and partly of wood. 

In all these six rooms, the allowance in cubic feet per bed is 586. 
The profusion of windows, and the high and isolated position of the 
building, renders the air in the rooms quite pure. But in the garret 
are also thirty beds, with only 325 cubic feet per bed, to be used 
only in winter, and in a great emergency. 

This house, standing, as it does, on a maraelon, and being almost 
all windows and doors, the ventilation is perfect, 

St. Louis may be justly proud of the hospital at Jefferson Barracks-, 
and the soldier may deem himself fortunate in being able to spend 
the days of his sickness there. Jefferson Barracks Hospital can 
readily accommodate 1,000 patients. In case of need, all the 
verandas could be readily converted into comfortable wards in summer. 
The hospital is susceptible of great expansion at a comparatively 
small cost. The one story stone barracks are of great strength ; the 
roof could be raised by means of screws, and another story of brick 
could be quickly added, which would at once increase its capacity 
about 400 beds. This is the idea of the energetic and talented 
surgeon in charge, Dr. M. W. Fish, and he has suggested it to the 
proper authorities, with reasonable prospect of success. To him is 
due the credit for all the improvements and changes made about these 
barracks to fit them for a hospital ; and the last, though not the 
least of them, already in course of completion, are a thorough 
sewerage and the bringing of river water on the premises, by means 
of a steam engine, which will supply the main desideratum. 

A new and well constructed dead house has also been completed. 
The chapel refitted and furnished with a melodeon. The ?noraie of 
the patient is as much cared for as the p/ii/si(jue. 

Thanks to the indefatigable efforts, enlarged experience and 
laudable ambition of Dr. Fish, these buildings have been converted 
into an admirable hospital. 

The largest steamers can land and deposit their freight at Jefterson 
Barracks. The Iron Mountain Railroad brings them within forty 
minutes of the city, so that patients, stores and materials can be 
brought to and from the city, with more facility, than to any other 
hospital in the vicinity. 

There are two female nurses attached to each ward, who supervise 
chiefly the food prepared for the very sick. 



44 



JEFFERSON DARRACKS HOSPITAL. 



As soon as the laundry and the bathing house are in working 
order, this hospital will leave nothing to desire. 
Admissions, 1,443 ; deaths, 215 ; or 15 per cent. 

DESCUIPTION OF .llCFfKUyON HA11RACK3 HOSl'lTAL. 



Ward. 


Length. 


WUUhJ lllght. 


Oapncity 

In cubic 

feut. 


Beds. 


Cubic feet 
for each 


Win- 

.lowf 


DoorB 


Venti- 
lators. 


b: 1 1 


^'t 


16 1-6 lU 


4,991 


5 in each 


998 1-.5 


, 


1 




14 


UJ 111 


3,622 


5 in eacli 


724 2-5 


2 


1 




^■'li 


2S| 


-mSI 


3,853 


9 


428 3-9 


2 


1 


1 




Room 1 


35 


22 IOt 


7,956 


14 


586 


8 


3 




p 


2 


35 


22 lo| 


7,956 


14 


586 


8 


3 




o . 


3 


17^ 


22 10| 


3,978 


7 


586 


6 


2 




K "' 


4 


35 


22 lol 


7,950 


14 


586 


8 


4 




> 


5 


35 


22 lol 


7,956 


14 


586 


8 


2 






C 


17^ 


22 10| 


3,978 


' 


586 


6 


1 




pd f Room 1 


135 


20 lOJ 


' 


27,775 


55 


505 


31 


lit 


2 


e 2 


95 


20 10 


. 


19,475 


40 


486 35-40 


14 


8t 


2 


5 3 


95 


20 :io 


\ 


19,475 


40 


486 35-40 


14 


8t 


2 


?=^ I 4 


IS 


20 ,10l 


3,690 


7 


525 2-7 


3 


2t 


2 


f^ ( Room 1 


135 


20 lOj 


27,775 


55 


505 


31 


lit 


2 


! 3 


95 


20 10, 
20 lol 

20 lOg- 


19,475 


40 


486 35-40 


14 


8 


2 


95 


19,475 


40 


48G 35-40 


14 


8 


2 


^ I 4 


18 


3,690 


7 


525 5-7 


3 


3t 


2 


Ward L. 


















Room 1 


210 


20 |10i 


4,350 


80 


538 1-8 


31 


31t 


4 


ex 

I? 


. ... 1 


35 


22 6 11-12)5* 

l4 [51 


4,235 


15 


325 


4 


3 




6- 


2 


35 


22 6 11-12(5.; 
4 UJ 


4,235 


13 


325 


4 


3 




.. . 3 


17i 


22 6 11-12 1.51 
4 Ul 


2,117^ 


13 


324 


4 


1 





• Garret. 

+ 1 1 Tninsepls. 

t Transepts. 



t Trnnsepts. 
t IG Transepts. 
t Transepts. 



ARNOT'S AND THORNTON'S HALLS. 



After tlie battle of Shilob, our hospitals became full to overflowing, 
especially as the high water rendered the extensive hospital at Mound 
City untenable, and required the immediate removal of the inmates. 
Other battles were expected, and additional hospital accommodation 
had to be promptly provided ; several, large halls were rented by the 
Western Sanitary Commission, and fitted at considerable cost. One 
of them was situated over Thornton's stables, measured 50 by 93 
feet, and was 14-| feet high. Another, over Arnot's stable, wa& 
42 by 77, and 12 feet high ; there were three other large rooms, 
capable of containing 100 beds. It was the aim of the Commission 
to maintain a reserve of from 800 to 1,000 beds to meet a possible 
emergency. With the evacuation of Corinth ended all expectation of 
a great battle in the Mississippi Valley, and these rooms were 
abandoned, the existing hospital accommodations being deemed 
adequate to the probable requirements of the service. 



OVER AENOT'S STABLE. 



No. of Room. 


Length. 


Width. 


Eight. 


Total capacity 1 
in cubic feet. 




No. of 
Windows. 


No. of 
Doors. 


6 
10 

Hall. 
Large Hall. 

Ward over Thorn- 
ton's stable 


19 
20 
43 

(93| 


18 
17 
.50 
42 

50.1-6 


14 
12 
11 
12 

14 


4,788 

4,680 

23,6.50 

38,768 

67,3 ?3 






I 

6 
19 

10 


1 
2 

1 
2 

4. 



REGIMENTAL HOSPITALS. 



Duving the winter and spring of 1861-2, there were several 
regimental hospitals established near Benton Barracks. They Avere 
located in private residences and farm houses, as well as in the 
various exhibition buildings in the Fair Grounds. They were usually 
improvised in one day, maintained during the stay of the regiment, 
iind abandoned. No medical records are known to exist. 

Regimental hospitals are indispensable to a moving army, but 
experience has demonstated that tents arc better for the purpose, 
than illy adapted houses ; severe or protracted cases being transferred 
to a post, or general hospital whenever practicable. 

The system prevailing here was certainly detrimental in the 
extreme ; the buildings Avere unsuitable, the supplies inadequate, and 
the attendance was by convalescing soldiers, Avho were untutored, 
incapable and unwilling to act as nurses. The result was unsatis- 
factory. 



MILITARY PRISOX HOSPITAL. 



The hospital, connected with the Military Prison at 
McDuwcirs College , must not be omitted in this report. The 
beautiful octagon hall, the former amphitheatre of the college, has 
been appropriated, and quite judiciously arranged for that purpose. 
The hall is 68 by 60, and 10 4-12 feet high, has consequently a 
capacity of 69,300 cubic feet. It has six large windows opposite 
each other, and an opening in the ceiling communicating with a large 
open, vacant room above, thus securing perfect ventilation. There 
are 60 beds in this hall, 16 are placed in two rows in the centre, and 
44 are arranged in double superposing bunks around the platform ; 



MILITARY PRISON HOSPITAL. 



for each bed there is an allowance of 1,155 cubic feet. The culinary 
department is a house on the other side of the street ; the meals are 
sent and served to the sick in their room. The hospital is very well 
kept, and reflects credit on its late Surgeon, Dr. Melcher, and on the 
present incumbent, Dr. Drechsler. The milder cases only are 
attended to here, the more seriously sick are transferred to the general 
hospitals. The nurses are taken from among the prisoners of war, 
whose faithful attention to their charge is worthy of commendation. 
This hospital is supplied by the Western Sanitary Commission in 
same manner as the military hospitals, and they have devoted much 
attention to it. 



FLOATING HOSPITALS. 



The history of the ^lilitary Hospitals of St. Louis would not be 
complete if the Floating Huspllals were not mentioned — which, 
though ridiculed at first, have found so many imitators. They are 
emphatically of St. Louis origin, in this war. 

The idea of Floating Hospitals, or Hospital Steamers, was first 
suggested to me by the able Medical Director' of Major-Gen. Grant's 
corps iParine^ Dr. Simmons, which I duly reported to my colleagues 
of the Western Sanitary Commission, where it met with a prompt 
and hearty response- The wise and judicious Commander of this 
Department, Major-General Halleck, approved of the plan, and it 
was at once carried into execution. 

Steamers were purchased and chartered, properly organized, and 
put in active operation, not a day too soon. They have been 
kept constantly employed for the last three months, and have 
rendered invaluable service. They were the means of rescuing the 
lives of hundreds of our soldiers, and met the expectations of their 
most sanguine friends and advocates. 

To those not familiar with the form and the various arrangements of 
a large Western river steamer, it will be difficult to comprehend how 
from 300 to 800 patients can be comfortable, each in his own tidy 
bed ; how they can be nursed, and medically and surgically attended 
to ; how the most delicate surgical operation can be performed on 
them as in the best hospital on shore. Indeed, in many respects the 
patients are better ofi on these boats than in the hospitals ; for 
nowhere is the air purer and the light better. 

The Western river boats (side wheels) arc generally from 240 to 
300, and even more, feet long, and from 40 to GO feet beam. The 
high pressure steam engines are on the first orboiler deck, occupying, 
perhaps, one-fourth of the whole space, and leaving considerable 
room forward, but more aft. The boiler deck is very roomy, and is 
usually used for freight ; and in the reiu- are also the bunks for the 
crew. The dimensions of a boiler deck are about 40 x 200 feet, and 
20 feet high, open fore and aft, allowing a free circulation of air^ 
and, when the boat is in motion, causing a strong draft. 



FLOATING HOSPITALS. 49 

On the guards, on each side of the boilers, is abundant room for 
beds or cots. Thej are protected from above by the guards of the 
cabin deck, and on the sides by curtains of sail cloth, which are 
impervious to water and the rays of the sun. From 200 to 300 and 
even 400 beds or cots were systematically arranged, in four rows, on 
on that deck, with ample walks between them. It had a novel, but a 
comforable appearance, and the patients were usually quite satisfied. 
On the cabin deck is the spacious saloon, extending over nearly 
the whole length of the boat, well lighted and ventilated by clere- 
story lights and doors, affording accommodation for about 100 beds. 
All around the main saloon are state-rooms, with two berths in each. 
The bulk-heads, or partitions between these rooms, were removed, in 
order to allow a free circulation of air, and free access to the patients 
in these berths. These state-rooms have two doors, one leading into 
the saloon, the other out on the guards, thus rendering them light, 
airy and accessible. 

The guards are about 8 or 10 feet wide, affording room for a 
series of beds throughout their whole extent, and on the fore-deck 
three or four rows of beds can be placed. These are usually the 
choicest places, as offering a view of the passing scenery, and being 
perfectly protected from rain and sun by the hurricane deck and 
canvass curtains. 

There are three or four kitchens on each boat : one for the officers 
and crew, one for medical officers and attendants, and the third and 
fourth for the sick — the latter under the exclusive charge of the 
female nurses. 

There is an operating room, a pharmacy, bath and linen room, a 
commissary and stewards' department, an office for surgeons, clerks, 
etc. It is quite land-like in its arrangement. 
The stores are usually kept in the hold. 

The VAty of Louisiana was the first boat chartered for this 
service. She is very swift, and has a light draft of water. The 
Government supplied her with beds, mattresses and commissary 
stores, the Western Sanitary Commission completing the outfit at a 
cost of $3,000. They also furnished assistant surgeons, an apothe- 
cary and male and female nurses, as well as maintaining a constant 
supply of hospital stores, renewed upon the return of the boat to St. 
Louis. This boat was in charge of C. Wagner, M. D., Assistant 
Surgeon U. S. A. She has conveyed 3389 patients, of whom 59 died 
in transit. 

4 



50 FLOATING HOSPITALS. 

The second steamer, D. .^. January^ was purchased by the 
Government, and fitted up in all respects like the " Louisiana." She 
has not quite the capacity and is not as fast as that steamer, but is 
kept in admirable order. This boat is in charge of A. II. Hoff, 
M.D., Brigade Surgeon, U. S. V. Her records are unusually well 
kept by Miss Kate Houghton, the efficient clerk. This boat has 
transported 2G92 patients, of whom 83 died. 

The United States Hospital Steamer, D. A. January, made eight 
trips, as follows : She left St. Louis — 

Cases. Died. 

1. Ajnil 5 — For Pittsburg Landing:, and rctnrned to St. Louis, iirriv- 

ing April 14, with 441 of whom 17 

2. April 15 — Left 8t Louis for Pittsburg Landing, whence slie went 

to Keokuk, Iowa, aniving April 23, with 284 " 4 

3. April 24 — From Keokuk for Pittsburg Landing, thence to New 

Albany and Cincinnati, arrivinir May 5, with 300 " 39 

4. May G — From Cincinnati for Pittsburg Landing, thence to Jeffer- 

son Barracks, arriving May 14, with 284 " 7 

Had to lay up to make repairs. 

5. June 1 — From St. Louis for Pittsburg Landing, thence to Jefier- 

son Barracks, amving June 12, with 375 " 1 

6. June 13 — Left St. Louis for Pittsburg Landing, thence to Paducah, 

Jefferson Barracks, and Keokuk, arriving June 23, 

with 459 " 3 

7. June 24 — Left Keokuk for Patlucah, thence to Evansville and 

Louisville, arriving July 8, with 232 " 2 

8. July 9 — Left Louisville for Paducah, Columbus, and Helena, 

Ark., thence to Jefferson Barracks, arriving July 21, 

with 317 " 10 

Total, 2092 83 

The third floating hospital was the large new steamer E7npress, 
chartered and furnished by Government, and receiving her hospital 
stores from the Western Sanitary Commission. Together with the 
Imperial^ she was taken to aid in transporting the wounded from 
Pittsburg Landing, after the battle of Shiloh, for which her great 
size and speed peculiarly adapted her. She was in charge of Thomas 
F. Azpell, M. D., Brigade Surgeon U. S. V., and is now withdrawn 
from service. The Sisters of Mercy of Chicago were the female 
nurses on her, who will ever be kept in grateful remembrance by the 
physicians and patients. 

The "Empress" made six trips, as follows: 

Cases. Deatba. 

iRt trip— April 10. To Pittsburg, thence to Keokuk 349 14 

2d " " 22. To L-!land No. 10, thence to 8t. Louis 477 6 

3d " " 26. To Pittsburg, thence to Louisville 507 9 

4th " May 13. From Pittsburg to Evansville and St. Louis 817 28 

5th " " 20. To Tennessee river, thence to Evansville and St. L. 497 5 

6th " June 11. To Tennessee river, thence to Louisville and St. L. 728 7 

Total 3375 69 



FLOATING HOSPITALS. 



51 



Tlie fourth floating hospital was the new and very large steamer 
Imperial, chartered by the President of the Western Sanitary Com- 
mission, under authority of Major-General Halleck, receiving her 
outfit, under his direction and supervision, partly from Government, 
but mainly from the Commission. She was in charge of T. H. 
Grove, M. D., Brigade Surgeon U. S. V., and, though rendering 
valuable service, was withdrawn early in consequence of her great 
draft of water. During the two months she was in service, she 
carried 2375 patients, of whom 25 died. 

The fifth floating hospital was the prize steamer Red Rover, 
captured by the flotilla at Island No. 10. In many respects this is the 
best of the hospital fleet. Being constructed for the business of carry- 
ing cotton ; her guards are unusually wide, and her ceilings very 
high; she was altered by the Government at an expense of $3,000, 
furnished with ice chests of 500 tons capacity, baths, water closets, 
extra kitchens and an operating room. Her outfit was furnished by 
the Western Sanitary Commission at a cost of $3,500. She is 

attached to the river flotilla, and is in charge of Bixby, M. D., 

contract surgeon. 

Since the St. Louis floating hospitals have been in successful 
operation, other cities and States, as well as the Government itself, 
have adopted the system, and there are several in commission at the 
present time, both upon the rivers and the ocean. 

The numerous sick and wounded after the bloody battle of Shiloh, 
were removed to these hospital steamers, and rapidly conveyed to 
remote hospitals in less than a fortnight ; a fact unparalleled in 
history. A large army ridding itself of the care of the sick and 
wounded after a sanguinary combat in so short a time, is an event 
worthy of record. 



52 



TABULAR STATEMENT of the cases and deaths in the General 



i 

3 

2 

P 


SPEOll'IC DISEASES. 


NKW IlorSE 
(IK KKFUGK 
IlOSl'ITAL. 


ST. LODI8 
HOSPITAL. 


CITY 
HOSPITAL. 


CITY 
GBNBIIAL 
HOSPITAL. 


CAMP 
BKNTON 
UOSPITAU 


GOOD 

8amaritah 
Hospital. 


1 

< 


1 


1 


1 


1 





1 


157 

5 

5 

r. 

1 

1 

31 
1 5.-, 


3 

3 

5 

94 

296 
130 

33 

3 
85 
24 

8 

1 
1 

.... 

2 

22 

2 

6 
5 

60 

■,5 

1 1 


3 

1 

7 
12 

4 

'9 

1 

1 


1 


1 


i 

> 


Fehris Coii<j;estiva, 

I'Vliris t'ljiitinua Communis. 
Fel)ris Inter. Quoridiana. ... 
Febris Inicrinittens Tcrtiana 
Fcl)i-is Intermittens Quartana 
Felu'is Ileniittcns 


■iiol:: 

3'J .. 

278 •^O 


10 
5 

4 
61 

4 

20 

4 

'"29 
21 
4 
13 
13 

3 

4 
2 

1 

1 
9 
15 

24 

1 

9 


37 
2 

1 


:; 

1 

!^ 

;; 

"i 
2 

1 

1 

2 

I 


15 .. 

1 .. 

39 .. 

"27 '.'. 

19 4 

1 1 

7 . . 

1 '.'. 
9 .. 
43 1 
[ 

19 .'. 

1 .. 

2 .'. 
1 

"is '.'. 

8 .. 
2 .. 

1 .. 

7 .. 

1; •• 

2 .. 

8 .. 


5 
10 

292 

I2;i 

345 

3 

8 
60 

1 

'2 

1 
420 

5;3 

50 
10 

4 

3 
3 
2 
G 
27 
1 
3 
3 

'l67 
15 

58 

4S 

20 

413 

1 
1 


"'2 

53 
19 

"52 
12 

10 
1028 

"3 

2 

i 

96 
19 

6 

19 

.... 

4 

1 
96 

4 

"is 

8 
98 


5 


fH 








Febris Typiius 

Fehris Typhus Ictcrodes, . . 
All other diseases of this class 

Ervsipclas , ... 


"37 

28 
252 

"76 

25 

2 

314 

305 

98 

131 

10 

4 

1 



8 

42 

34 

1 

1 

1 

22 

23 
26 

24 

5 

■A 

42 

26 

''I 

1 
.... 


5 

13 
24 

9 

8 

"2 

1 

'i 
2 

1 

I 

1.3 

1 
77 


14 




Hiil)euhi 

Scarlatina 

Variola 


11 


2 


Varioloidcs 

All other diseases of this class 

Cholera Asiatica 

Cholera Morijus . 


:; 


-" 






f 


Constipatio . 


in 




Diarrhijca Chronica 


2 
5 




Dysenteria Chronica 

Dyspepsia 

Enteritis ... 


1 


C o ■{ 






o| 


Hajuiatemcsis 

Hcp.ititis Acuta 




"3 


Hepatitis Chronica 


i 


m 

1 


Parotitis 

Peritonitis 








Q 


'J'on-iillitis 




All other diseases of this class 


••- 


~ 


Bronchitis Acuta 


e, 


■5 ^- 


Bronchitis Chronica 

Catarrhus Ef)idemiius 

Catarrhus 

riit'moptv-;is 


2 


° >> 




l"l 




Is 

1 

oil' 


Phthisis Pulmonalis 

Pleuritis 

Pneumonia 

All other diseases of this class 

AnjTimia 

Ancurisma 

Anj.'-ina I'ectoris 

Carditis 


i 

315 

1 
1 

2 


28 


16 

1 
67 

1 





Military Hospitals of St 


Louis, from 


their 


origin, to Ju 


ly, 186 


2. 




53 


FOURTH 

STREET 

HOSPITAL. 


PACIFIC 
HOSPITAL. 


SMALL-POXJ 
HOSPITAL. 


HICKORY 
STREET 
HOSPITAL. 


CONVALES- 
CENT NO. 1. 


MARINE 
HOSPITAL. 


00NVALB8- 

CBNTNO. 2. 


JEFFERSON 
BARRACKS. 


TOTAL BY 
EACH CLASS. 


i 


1 
1 


6 




1 


1 




1 


i 
1 


1 


1 



Ijl 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


14 

27 

58 

121 

255 
3 

5 

£6 
42 

2 

I 

6 

160 

162 

I 

6' 
1 

1 
3 

47 
1 
3 
8 
4 

1 

126 

120 

2 

53 

8 

6 

11 

31 

235 

11 

2 


4 
2 

lo 

1 

1 

5 
2 

7 

24 

2 

5 

3 

1 

1 
5 

1 

7 

1 

64 

4 


3 

26 

"'3 
31 

7 

2 
43 

"i 

27 
11 
4 
2 
2 

1 

5 

4 

1 

2 
75 

"i 

22 

15 
33 


3 

1 

15 

21 

2 

1 
8 


276 


'.'. 


2 

4 

38 

114 

2 

25 

10 

20 

76 

11 

119 

102 

7 

19 

2 

4 

2 

69 

22 

90 
10 

'137 
3 
10 
11 

9 
34 

1 


1 

'i 

5 

■■ 

2 

.. 


3 
64 
14 

6 
20 

27 
40 

21 
120 

2 

18 

24 
150 
21 

22 

6 
1 

5 

"40 

1 

2 
66 
16 

6 
6 

'152 

12 

'3 
12 


1 

1 


"32 



••i5 
37 

1 

■•.50 
6 
9 

4 
4 

6 

2 

2 

10 

"3 

"2 

6 




6 
25 
51 
46 
12 
20 

"14 

21 

60 

33 

230 

9 

4 

20 

'3 

5 

22 

1 

1 

""& 

1 
.... 

5 

18 
9 
1 

.... 

11 


" 


5 

1 

10 

'"70 
307 

'.V.'. 

1 

2 
4 

'i.37 

108 

42 

4 

1 

4 

5 

12 

3 

10 
11 

22 

5 

76 
35 


1( 

] 


1 

i 

3 

)0 

1 
2 

6 

1 
1 

4 

8 

9 
>5 


38 
286 
622 
748 
34 
939 
1632 
5 

53 

146 

1576 

76 

365 
21 
29 

29 

42 

218 

1612 

800 

264 

203 

59 

25 

20 

7 

20 

26 

114 

208 

8 

8 

51 

41 

44 

747 

201 

8 

323 

26 

35 

221 

131 

1922 

63 

32 

4 
5 
14 


11 
6 
6 

7 

28 

532 

2 

1 

28 
44 

63 

44 
80 
28 
22 

'e 

2 
2 
2 

2 
5 

1 
2 

1 

4 

1 
16 
3 

i 

81 

6 

414 

30 



54 



T.^BULAR STATEMENT of the cases and deaths in (he General 



s 

s 

1 


8PKCIFIC DISEASES, 


WEW nousB 

OKKBFUOK 
HOSPITAL. 


ST. LOUIS 1 
HOSl'ITAL 1 


CITY 
HOSPITAL. 


OITT 
GENKRAL 
HOSPITAL. 


CAMP 

BKNTON 
HOSPITAL. 


00c 

BAMA« 
H08PI 


1 


Q 


1 


1 


2 


1 
1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


-c^.f 


Endocarditis 


1 

4 

6 
10 

1 

2 

8 
1 

"is 

10 

20 
4 
2 

30 

1 

10 

11 

.... 

13 
G 
















2 

1 

'"2 






Pericarditis 




1 

3 


■■ 


.... 


[ [ 








iii 


Phlebitis 


•••i :: 




s-l^ ] 


Varicocele . . 


1 
'"2 

'"2 


1 




So 


Varix 

All other diseases of tiiis class 

Apoplexia 

Cephalalgia 


.... 


c 


1 Ciiorea 


1 


•S P 

!t1 


Delirium Tremens 

Epilepsia 


1 


1 




'"i 




1 




1 
3 




1 


Initatio Spinalis 




4 




1 




4 




1 

1 

3 
2 


2 






Melancholia 

Meningitis 

Neuralgia 

Paralysis 

Tetanus 

All other diseases of this class 

Bubo Syphiliticum 


1 


5 I 
1 • 




2 




1 




2 




"2 






.. 






6 






11 


Cystitis 

Diabetes 

Enuresis 

Gonorrhoea 

1 Ischuria et Dysuria. 

Neplu-itis .. ." 

Orchithis 


•• 


4 


■■ 


2 




1 
8 




4 
3 
1 
6 
.... 

1 
3 




1 


'i g ■ 


2 


2 
3 




4 

1 




2 1 


1 

2 


Sarcocele 

Strictura Urethral... 


1 

1 

8 

10 












1 1 


Syphilis Consecutiva 

Ulcus Penis Non Syphil'm 


1 


111 

°1i 


All other diseases of this class 
Anasarca .... 


21 

1 

2 

1 
4 

13 

1.33 

128 
8 

3 
2 
2 














1 




1 

1 

1 




1 
1 




3 1 

...... 


2 
2 




1 


Ascites 

Hydrarthrus 

Hydrocele 

Hydroihorax 

All other diseases of this class 


1 
















Abces. Dis. of the Di 

and fibrous and 
Ulcers, mns. struct. 












1 




. 






2 

"i 


•• 


y 




1 I .. 
134 .. 
28 2 
1 . 

1 

a.. 


8 


1 


Podagi-S 

Rlieumatismus Acutus 

Khcumatismus Chronicus. . . 
All other diseases of this class 


37 . . 

47 .. 

6 .. 

5|.. 


.51 
2 

1 






Fi.tula 








1 






.. 


1 



Military Hospitals of St. Louis, from their origin, to July, 1862. 



55 



FOURTH 


PACIFIC 


SMALL-POX 


HICKORY 


CONVALES- 


MARINE 


CONVALES- 


JEFFERSON 


TOTAL BY 


HOSPITAL. 


HOSPITAL. 


HOSPITAL. 


HOSPITAL. 


CENT NO. 1. 


HOSPITAL. 


CENT NO. 2. 


BARRACKS. 


EACH CLASS. 


1 


1 


1 

6 


i 


1 


1 


1 


1 
1 


1 


i 


1 


1 

1 


1 


i 
1 


1 


i 

1 


J 


a 



1 










1 






7 
18 

9 








4 
19 




1 

2 




13 

27 

34 
















1 






1 












.... 


2 












1 












20 




1 




32 




3 


1 


3 




























21 

1 
























1 


1 






3 


1 












2 




















6 
4 
5 
14 
















1 

1 

1 














1 
1 






















3 








5 




2 








1 


5 












3 




5 








3 




3 




29 
1 

16 

11 
7 
3 

61 


1 


5 
















2 








1 




3 






1 




.... 




.... 




1 




1 






2 








5 


























3 


5 




1 








13 












23 




3 






4 


1 
1 

2 






















2 




3 


1 


14 

18 
46 


9. 
























1 


4 


1 
























1 




4 


1 








9 




2 








6 






























3 
3 


"i 


i 




/ 
5 
5 




1 
























1 


2 


















































3 
3 




'"2 




5 
91 




5 












33 




11 










3 












6 




22 




4 




5 








44 




6 




2 












1 












6 




28 


3 


4 




3 








10 




20 




2 




4 




1 




69 




1 
















3 
4 
6 
















5 

8 

52 












.... 




1 
10 




















5 












4 






/ 




3 








.... 




1 




.... 




8 








35 

3 

33 

32 




2 


1 


















2 




5 
12 




2 

8 


4 


1 


6 










1 




2 




5 






.... 








1 




1 








42 




4 




56 
5 
9 




















4 








4 










































1 

8 

94 
'591 




3 




1 






















12 








10 




23 








23 




2 




.... 


57 












28 




70 




13 




8 




57 


1 


1 


96 




52 








21 




140 








135 








665 


2 


1 




1 








1 








2 












20 




2 


1 


1 








17 




20 








53 




2 




107 


1 


Q 








.... 




1 




















6 
14 




,... 




4 









6 




.... 







56 



TABULAR STATEMENT of the cases and deaths in the General 



1 


SrEClFIC DI8KABES. 


NKW HOU8K 
or UKFrOK 
U08P1TA1,. 


BT. L0UI8 
HOSflTAL. 


CITY 
IIOHI-ITAL. 


CITT 
OKNKRAL 
U08PITAL. 


CAMl- 

Iir.NTON 
lIOSriTAL. 


OOOD 
SAMAItlTA 
nOSPlTAL 


i 


i 

6 


Q 


i\l 


1 


1 


1 

10 


1 


a 


i 

1 


^ 

1 




§ T 


Paronyt'liiti 

Plilojiiuou . . . 


1 

2 
11 

6 

1 

47 

32 

4 

52 

1 

'is 

1 

4 

1 

380 

15 

1 
1 


1 


"'\ :: 


..:: 


.... 

1 
3 

33 

2 

8 

2 

5 

1 

41 

1 




.... 

2 
2 

8 
1 

1 

14 
2 




< ^ 
{ 


Ulcus 




All other diseases of this class 

Ambustio 

Comussio Cfiohri 

Comprcssio CciTl)ii 

C'OiitUi<i'> 

Fractura 

Gflatio 

Hernia 

Ivuxatio , . 






1 .. 

2|.. 






3 

18 
35 


'2 




■? 


1 
*5 


757 18 
14 4 

1 


43 




18 
G 

13 

4 

'<J42 


118 




§ • 


Morsus Serpcntis 




1 






Viilnus IiR'isum 




^ 


Viil. Con. vel Laceratum. . . 






Vuhius Si'lopeticum 

All other diseases of this class 






Cataracta 

IIcmeralo])ia 




... ! . 


.... 










1^' 
s 






Opthalmia 

lictinitis 

All other diseases of this class 

Otalo-ia 


56 

13 

3 
17 
3 

""b 

""l 

723 

'""2 

14 

'"9 
3 

1 

2 
""'3 


1 


1 
3 




5 




9 




20 




7 




's f 


4 












3 











Otitis 




iw 












6 











Surditas 

All other diseases of this class 

Anchylosis 

Atrophia 

15ubo Siinplc\ 




.... 






1 












































1 


Cachexia 

Dehilitas 

Ehrietas 

Epistaxis 

Exostosis 


8 


21 

3 

1 
1 


t .... 




704 
2 
1 
1 
3 


' 


"ioe 

"1 

5 


• • 


22 
I 






Hajniatocelc 




^ 


















o 

< 


Necrosis 

Nostalgia .... 


• • , •••• 




1 
4 








^ 




O.lontul-ia 






Scirrhus 

S(orl)utiis 

Scrofula 




.... 






















1 




1 








:::• 





Military Hospitals of St. Louis, from their origin, to July, 18G2. 



FOUKTH 
STREET 
HOSPITAL. 



niCKOKY 
STREET 

nosriTAL. 



157 
95 
13 

206 
16 



173 

1 



26 

26 

44 

f 

253/ 
32 



U 1 



215 
60 
24 

1 
24 



16 
6 

77 
1 

15 

7 

223 

68 

30 



58 



TABULAR STA TEMJ^iYT of the Cases ami Deaths in the General 



a 

H 

a 


SPECIFIC DISEASES. 


NEW nonsJ 

or REFOOB 
HOSPITAL. 


ST. Lonis 

HOSJ'ITAL. 


OJTT 
HOSPITAL. 


CITT 
OKNRRAL 

HOSPITAL. 


OAMP 
BKNTON 
HOSPITAL. 


GOOD 
SAMARITAN 
HOSPITAL. 


c 


1 


1 


i 




1 




•£ 
1 


i 

1 


1 


1 


II 


f 
























. 1 




2 

1 






. . 


















^■£ 






o ■£ ■ 






1 

127 


1 






1 


:\ 






.... 

10 




<'-3 


Morbus IkiL'litii 

Morbi Varii 


55 




i 


^ 


Total 

Total per cent 


1 






4999 27G 

1 


685 


46 


205 


10 


4179 517 


1291 


72 


1713 


149 






l5i 




H 


i 5 


. . . . I'^i 


5J 


... . 1 Si 

























Military Hospitals of St. Louis, frotii their origin, to July, 1862. 



59 



POUETH . 
STREET 
HOSPITAL. 


PACIFIC 
HOSPITAL. 


SMALL-POX 
HOSPITAL. 


HICKORY 
STRBET 
HOSPITAL. 


CONVALES- 
CENT NO. 1. 


MARINE 

HOSPITAL. 


CONVALES- 
CENT NO. 2. 


JEFFERSON 
BARRACKS. 


TOTAL BY 
EACH CLASS. 


1 


1 
1 


1 


1 


1 


5 
1 


Cases. 
Deaths. 


2 


2 


t 
1 


1 
1 


5 


1 


6 


2 


1 


1 

1 














i!.. 
















1 !.... 

3!.... 

7 ; . . . . 
8 


1 






































......... 


4 




















6 . . 




































1 |.... 
210l 2 






14 














2 








1 
























2676 


2 -'9 


626 


59 276 


63 


1240,20 1688 35 


289 


31 


1888 


3 


1443 


21.5 
15 


23,198 1826 




H 


iHt 


2.3 


'If '2^ 




11 




1-6 





n 



60 THE LAINURY. Tflli DUIUAL OF TUE DEAD. 

THE LAUNDRY. 



The washing of clothes in hospitals is always a diflicult, and, in 
many institutions, an impossible task, usually owing to the want of 
proper conveniences. The Western Sanitary Commission therefore 
recommended the adoption of the European plan — of having the 
washing done out of the hospitals. 

They made an agreement with Mr. John K. Brettell, proprietor 
of a Steam Laundry, to do all the washing that may be required in 
any of the U. S. Military Hospitals, such as table and bed clothes, 
wearing apparel, bandages, etc., for 2} cents a piece, and for 
blankets 10 cents a piece, to be called for, and returned to the 
hospitals free of charge — security being given for the faithful 
fulfillment of contract. 

The plan has worked well. It has proved expeditious and 
economical, and quite satisfactory to the contracting parties, and is 
well worthy of imitation wherever possible. 



THE BUKIAL OF THE DEAD, 

From the Military Hospitals and Camps, is entrusted exclusively 
to Mr. John A. Smithers, Undertaker and Sexton of the Wesleyan 
Cemetery. The contract provides for decent interment in the above- 
named cemetery, in strong, well-made coffins of poplar, or pine, 
stained cherry or walnut color. A head-board is placed at each 
grave, on which are inscribed the initials of the name of the deceased, 
and the number corresponding to that in the register of the cemetery, 
where the full particulars respecting the name, death and interment 
of the deceased may be found, so that the identity of each individual 
here buried is perfectly and satisfactorily preserved. This is a 
matter of great importance to the friends of the dead, and provision 
is likewise made for disinterment and removal at a reasonable charge. 
The total cost for burial, including coffin, grave and all necessary- 
labor and attendance, is %1 50 for each subject. 

In this connection, I deem it proper to say that the Commission 
have in contemplation the adoption of measures to secure for the 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 61 

dead in this department the newly invented " Air-tight Deodorizing 
Burial Case" of Dr. G. W. Scollay of this city. This case was 
brought to their notice as soon as perfected by the inventor, and, at 
his request, the following committee was appointed to test its merits : 

S. Pollak, M. D., C. A. Pope, M. D., M. Schuyler, D. D., J. 
B. Johnson, M. D., J. T. Hodgen, M. D., R. R. Hazard, Jr. 

This was fully and satisfactorily done ; and the commission, in 
view of the testimony of their committee, as well as the results which 
came uiider their own observation, passed a series of resolutions, 
expressive of its value, and recommending it for general adoption. 
When the experiments here were concluded, and the above action 
obtained thereon, the commission regarded this improvement in 
burial cases of so much value, and so well adapted to meet the 
exigencies which generally attend the soldier's burial, as to suggest 
to the inventor the importance of securing the official recommendation 
of this case for army purposes. 

Dr. Scollay accordingly proceeded to Washington, and conducted 
an experiment there similar to that previously conducted here. The 
result is best stated in the certificate of the Surgeon- General itself, 
which is here given, not only for the information of other commis- 
sions, but for the public, who are also interested in this matter. 

" Office Surgeon-General, U. S. A., 
" Washington, July 18, 1862. 
" My attention having been called by the Western Sanitary Commission, at St. Louis, 
to an invention of Dr. G. W. Scollay, called an "Air-tight Deodorizing Burial Case," 
I have examined the same; and, at my request. Dr. Scollay has conducted and 
conclnded an experiment therewith, under my personal observation. 

" The result is perfectly satisfactoiy, and has convinced me that the claims made for 
this case are substantial, and that the improvement is one of great practical utility ; that 
the principle of its most important feature — the deodorizer — is correct; while the 
application of it, as made by Dr. Scollay, to an ordinary burial ease, is so simple, cheap 
and effective, as to commend it strongly for general use. .For sanitary, and other 
reasons, I cordially recommend its adoption for army purposes, especially in all cases 
where it is desirable to withhold a body from interment an unusual length of time, or to 
transport to distant points. 

"William A. Hammond, 

" Surgeon-General, U. S. A." 

" I fully concur in the above opinions and recommendation of the Surveyor-General, 
and think the invention of Dr. Scollay very valuable in its sanitary relations. 

"R. C. Wooo, Assistant Surgeon- General. 
" Surgeon-General's Office, 

" Washington, July 18, 1862." 



62 THE Bl'RIAL OF THE DEAD. 

It is unnecessary here to give any description of this case, further 
than to say, that in its exterior it diOers in no respect from the 
common coflSn, but tlie interior is furnished with a chamber at the 
foot, which is filled with chemicals, through which all the gases of 
the decaying body, as they escape, become deodorized and disinfected. 
In this coffin, a body may be withheld from interment for thirty or 
sixty days, and perhaps longer, without becoming oflensive, and 
hence may be held subject to the order of relations or friends for that 
length of time, thus avoiding the disagreeable necessity, as well as 
the often inconvenient expense, of disinterment and re-encasement. 
The additional cost of this improvement would be so small, and the 
convenience and gratification of parties desiring to remove to their 
homes the remains of deceased friends would be so great, that the 
commission will undoubtedly take an early occasion to call the 
attention of the Quartermaster to the subject. 

Respectfully submitted by 

S. rOLLAK, M. D., 

Sanitary Commissioner. 

St. Louis, Aui;ust 1, 1862. 



NOTE 



The following is a copy of the original order, under which the 
Western Sanitary Commission was established : 

" HEAD QUARTERS, WESTERN DEPARTMENT, 
"St. Louis, Mo., September 5, 1861. 
" Special Orders, 

"No. 159. 

" With a view to tlie health and comfort of the Volunteer troops in and near to the 
city of St. Louis, a Sanitary Committee is hereby appointed, to consist of five gentlemen, 
who shall serve voluntaiily, and be removable at pleasure. Its general object shall be 
to carry out, under the properly constituted military authorities, and in compliance with 
their orders, such sanitary regulations and reforms as the well-being of the soldiers 
demand. 

" This Commission shall have authority— wnrfer ike directions of the Medical Director — 
to select, fit up and furnish suitable buildings for Army and Brigade Hospitals, in such 
places and m such manner as circumstances require. It will attend to the selection and 
appointment of women nurses, under the authority and by the direction of Miss D. L. 
Dix, General Superintendent of the Nurses of Military Hospitals in the United States. 
It will co-operate with the surgeons of the several hospitals in providing male nurses, 
and in whatever manner practicable, and by their consent. It shall have authority to 
visit the different camps, to consult with the commanding officers, and the colonels and 
other officers of the several regiments, with regard to the sanitary and general condition 
of the troops, and aid them in providing proper means for the preservation of health 
and prevention of sickness, by supply of wholesome and well cooked food, by good 
systems of drainage, and other practicable methods. It will obtain from the community 
at large such additional means of increasing the comfort and promoting the moral and 
social welfare of the men, in camp and hospital, as may be needed, and cannot be 
furnished by Government Regulations. It will, from time to time, report directly to the 
Commander-in-Chief of the Department, the condition of the camps and hospitals, with 
such suggestions as can properly be made by a Sanitary Board. 

" This Commission is not intended in any way to interfere with the Medical Staff", or 
other officers of the army, but to co-operate with them, and aid them in the discharge of 
their present arduous and extraordinary duties. It will be treated by all officers of the 
army, both regular and volunteer, in this Department, with the respect due to the 
humane and patriotic motives of the members, and to the authority of the Commander- 
in-Chief. 

" This Sanitary Commission will, for the present, consist of James E. Ycatman,. 
Esq., C. S. Greeley, Esq., J. B. Johnson, M. D., George Partridge, Esq., and the Rev. 
Wm. G. Eliot, D. D. 

"By ORDER OF Major General J. C. Fremont. 

"J. C. KELTON, 

"Assistant Adjutant General.'^ 



G4 EXPLANATOUV NOTE. 

By special order of Major-General Ilalleck, and in compliance with the 
request of the original niembcrs, Dr. S. PoMak was added to the 
Commission, January 18, 1S02. 

The followinor gentlemen have been elected as associate members of the 
Commission : Brigadier-General G. AV. Cullum, Dr. J. U. Douglass, Dr. 
H. A. Warrincr, Rev. Montgomery Schuyler, D. D., Rev. C. A. Staples, 
R. R. Hazard, Jr., Rev. J. C. Forman, James M. Barnard, of Boston, 
James A. Rosevelt, New York. 

From this it will be seen that the Western Sanitary Commission is 
entirely distinct from the U. S. Sanitary Commission of Washington City. 
There were many local considerations which made a separate organization 
desirable, especially with the view to promptness and efficiency of action, 
and the economical management of funds, which can always be best 
secured by simplicity of arrangement. The aim of the Western Commis- 
sion has been to do the greatest possible amount of work with the least 
possible machinery. Its sphere of action has been ver)' limited, in 
comparison with the U. S. Commission, which deserves, and will receive 
the thanks of the whole Union, for its large and comprehensive philan- 
thropy. There is enough for all to do, without competition or rivalry, 
except by "provoking one another to love and good works." The labor 
which has devolved upon the Western Commission has been far beyond 
their original expectation, and has tasked all their energies, nor do they 
see any probability of its soon becoming less. To provide for the health 
and comfort of the two hundred thousand troops of this Department, and 
for their sick in hospital, is a work so large, that all the agencies now 
employed, whether by the Medical Staff, or the Sanitary Commissions, are 
inadequate to its proper accomplishment. 



KEPOKT 

OF THE 

WESTERN SANITARY COMMISSION, 

JULY 1st, 1863. 



Rooms of Western Sanitary Commission, "I 
No. 10 North Fifth street, St. Louis, July 1. j 

In order that the public, and more especially the many generous contri- 
butors of sanitary supplies, may be informed how great need there has 
been, in the Department of the Mississippi, how liberally it has been 
supplied, in what manner, and to what extent these supplies have been 
distributed, as also to say that increased donations will hereafter be 
required to meet the rapidly au^in. ntin^ demand, while our army is 
penetrating into the hot and miasmatic districts of the Great Valley, the 
Western Sanitary Commission makes the following report : 

HOSPITALS. 

There are thirteen military hospitals in service in and about this city, 
two having been discontinued within a few weeks. 

In order to stimulate the numerous employees in the several hospitals 
to a greater degree of industry and faithfulness, the Commission, with the 
approbation of the Commanding General and Medical Director, has paid 
cash premiums, varying in amount from $6 to $25, to the stewards, ward 
masters, male and female nurses and cooks, who proved to be most 
punctual, kind, attentive, diligent and efficient, during three months, ending 
in July. They observe a decided improvement in all the hospitals since 
the promulgation of this oflFer — their condition being now, upon the whole, 
highly satisfactory, and probably fully equal, if not superior, to any military 
hospitals in the country. 

The hospitals, camps or barracks, in or near St. Louis, and, in most 
cases, the camps and regimental hospitals throughout the State, are 
frequently visited by a committee of this commission, their sanitary 
condition thoroughly inspected, improvements in ventilation, drainage or 
treatment made, where deemed necessary and practicable, and supplies of 
all kinds required to maintain them in a clean and healthy condition are 
promptly and liberally furnished. 
5 



66 REPORT OF WKSTErvN SANITARY COM MISSION. 

HOSPITAL REGISTRY. 

The coinniissioii have a perfect registry of all the patients in hoaj)ital, in 
or near the city. All letters or dispatclics of inquiry, relative to the 
presence, condition, removal or decease of any patient, may therefore be 
addressed to it, and will receive prompt attention. 

HOSPITAL STEAMERS. 

After the battle of Fort Donelson, tlie commission fitted up four Floating 
Hospitals, regularly employed in the transportation of the sick and 
wounded in the Department of the Mississippi — the " City of Louisiana," 
Dr. Wagner; the "D. A. January," Dr. llutf; the "Imperial," Dr. 
Grove; the "Empress," Dr. Azpell; and the Naval Flotilla Ilospitah 
" Red Rover" — all very large and tine steamers, altered and arranged for 
this purpose. They were capable of transporting two thousand sick or 
wounded men, and could bring them more rapidly than they can be 
removed from the field. These boats were fully provided with experienced 
surgeons, assistant surgeons, apothecaries, stewards, dressers, and male and 
female nurses. They had every convenience that experience can suggest, 
and were supplied with large reserves of hospital clothing, lint, bandages, 
delicacies, fruit, etc., that they might be prepared to furnish temporary 
transports or field hospitals whenever and wherever needed. 

The low stage of water in the Tennessee river has made it necessary to 

discontinue all the Floating Hospitals, except the "January" and the 

Naval Hospital, " Red Rover." 

Many other hospital steamers, employed by Government and State 

authorities, have been supplied with hospital stores by the commission. 
The commission fully believes that these Floating Hospitals have saved 

hundreds of priceless lives already, by transporting the sick and wounded 

promptly from the field to well regulated hospitals, and by furnishing, in 

transit, good surgical attendance and nursing, and comfortable acconmio- 

dations. 

SOLDIERS HOME. 

The commission has in successful operation a "Soldiers' Home," to 
provide lodgings and meals, together with such advice and assistance 
concerning their papers, pay, transportation and subsistence, as may be 
required by soldiers, either furloughed or discharged, /r^e of all charge. 

It is centrally located, at No. 29 South Fourth strei^t, and is most 
admirably conducted by the Superintendent, Rev. Charles Peabody, under 
the supervision of a committee of the commission. The United States 
Paymaster has a desk at the "Home" for the convenience of the many 
guests, a very large propoi tion of whom are sick or wounded, and but for 
the protection and facilities existing here, would be subject to great 



REPORT OF WESTERN SANITARY COMMISSION. 67 

exposure, suffering and delay. A large number have received surgical 
attendance from a member of the commission, and other resident surgeons, 
who have generously volunteered their services. 

From March 13th, the day of opening, to July 1st, 5,954 lodgings and 
19,172 meals have been furnished to 5,278 guests. The number is now 
very rapidly increasing. Contributions of money and food have been 
liberally supplied from city and country, and will be required in consider- 
able amounts during the war. 

MILITARY PRISONS. 

During the past three months, members of the Commission have made 
frequent visits of inspection to the military prisons, with instructions from 
General Schofield to make whatever improvements their sanitary condition 
might require. By improved drainage, ventilation, thorough and com- 
plete cleansing and liming, the introduction of water, bathing tubs, pave- 
ments, water-closets, &c., they have been put into good condition for warm 
weather. The Prison Hospital, at McDowell's College, has been recon- 
structed, and, under care of the efficient surgeons in charge, is one of the 
best in the city. It is fully supplied with hospital stores, from the com- 
mission supplies, in the same manner with the other hospitals, in accord- 
ance with the special order of General Ualleck that " sick or wounded 
prisoners should be treated in all respects like our own." 

ARMY IN ARKANSAS. 

A special agent with the army of the South-west, Mr. A. "W. Platten- 
burg, is kept fully supplied with an ample store of all hospital requisites, 
and many delicacies very essential to the comfort of sick and wounded 
men, and otherwise unattainable in that remote, thinly peopled and 
hostile region. No fears are entertained that, in any event, will the 
heroes of " Pea Ridge " be unprovided with any article necessary for the 
comfort or restoration of their sick and wounded. Over one hundred and 
thirty large cases, containing large hospital supplies, beside washing 
machines, disinfectants and large quantities of stimulants, have been 
forwarded to that army during its march through Arkansas, and since its 
arrival at Helena. 

EXPENDITURE. 

The commission has expended, since its organization, nearly $30,000, 
In addition to this sum, in cash, there has been distributed in hospital, 
stores and articles of various kinds, to the amount of |1 54,700. It has 
paid but few salaries, and those very moderate in amount, (the largest 
being $50 a month,) and for indispensable services — almost all the labor 
beino- voluntarily bestowed by the commission itself, aiming to expend the 
money generously entrusted to it with strict fidelity, for the purposes of 



68 REPORT OF WESTERN' SAMTART COMMISSIOIT. 

giviiinr prompt ami efficient relief to the sick and wounded soldier, and of 
inaiio;uratin<r such sanitary measures and reforms as are indispensable to 
the preservation of Lis health and efficiency, or its restoration. 

It is, of course, unnecessary to say that no member or associate member 
of the Western Sanitary Commission receives compensation, either directly 
or indirectly. They have cheerfully given the greater part of their time to 
the important duties devolved upon them, and are happy in believing that 
their endeavors, generously sustained by the people of almost every loyal 
State, have resulted in the preservation of many precious lives, and in pre- 
venting incalculable suffering among the brave men of the Western armies. 

DONATIONS RECEIVED. 

From the date of appointment by the Commanding General, September 
10, 18G1, to July 1, 1862, the commission had received 1,300 cases of 
goods from eighteen States, viz. : 

New Hampshire 19 

New Jersey 14 

Minnesota' 10 

Indiana 10 

Connerticut 7 

Vermont 7 

Maine II 

Delaware 2 

District Columbia 3 

Not ascertained 168 

It is proper here to say that the city of St. Louis has been much the 
largest contributor, both in money and articles, which are not included in 
the above statement, for the reason that they have been received in bulk, 
in many instances by the wagon load, and in thousands of small packages. 
The generosity of our friends everywhere seems to be as inexhaustible as 
the demand upon their liberality. 

Mosquito bars, palm leaf fans, j-traw hats, Castile soap, light flannel and 
cotton domestics by the piece, in addition to the articles usually sent, are 
very necessary as the season advances. 

DONATIONS DISTRIBUTED. 

The articles distributed by the commission, to date, number 274,754, 
including 7,617 blankets, 12,539 sheets, 12,282 pillows, 15,058 pillow 
cases, 17,438 towels, 10,485 handkerchiefs, 34,734 shirts, 18,1J5 pair of 
drawers, 27,005 pair of socks, 6,112 pair of slippers, 2,835 dressing 
gowns, 1,848 articles of clothing, 28,946 books and pamphlets, 8,288 pads, 
4,379 bottles of domestic wines, 3,202 cans jelly, and 35,000 miscellaneous 
articles, such as mittens, games, crutches, work bags, bed pans, spit cups, 
picket caps, pin cushions, eye shades, slings, India rubber syringes, 
isinglass plasters, remedies, etc. In addition to these, the commission has 





3.'37 




187 


Wisconsin 


8'^ 


Rhode Island 


. . . . 86 


Pennsylvania 

Missouri 


70 

70 


Iowa 


58 


New York 


. . . .93 


Michigan 

Oliio 


60 

12 



REPORT OF WESTERN SANITARY COMMISSION. 69 

purchased large numbers of articles for the complete outfit of the city and 
floating hoipitals, and for armies in the field, embracing air and water 
beds, washing machines, implements of various kinds, barrels of stimulants, 
(of better quality and in larger supply than furnished by Government,) of 
eggs and chickens, cases of oranges and lemons, hundreds of pairs of 
crutches, invalid chairs of novel construction, bedsteads, cots, mattresses, 
graduated back-rests, stands or stools for the bedside, sideboards for the 
proper security and arrangement of medicines, disinfectants, splints, and 
innumerable other articles. 

TRANSPORTATION. 

The commission has issued passes to hundreds of furloughed soldiers, 
who, having no "descriptive rolls," were without means of returning to 
their homes. The States of Illinois, Indiana and Michigan have supplied 
free passes. Ohio, at its suggestion, has advanced the cost of transpor- 
tation. The rail and steam lines of Missouri have, with great liberality, 
carried wounded men free, and all stage and transit companies at reduced 
fares. Iowa has had an efficient officer stationed at the " Home" to care 
for her own furloughed men, while the commission has expended a 
considerable sum to return to their families and friends those whose States 
had made no provision for them. Under a recent order from the War 
Department, the Bureau of Transportation furnish passes to this class of 
men, advancing the cost. 

Harnden's and Majors' Expresses, the Boston and Albany and Chicago 
and Alton Railroads, and the Providence and New York Steamship Line, 
have transported packages free, and all express companies at reduced rates. 
Dispatch and forwarding companies charge full prices, unless by previous 
Contract. One hundred and sixty-eight cases of goods have come to us, 
without any mark by which they can be identified. 

In order to secure prompt acknowledgment, it is desirable that each 
box should be distinctly marked with the name and location of the society 
or individual donating. Direct goods and correspondence to 

"James E. Yeatman, 
" President Western Sanitary Commission, St. Louis, Mo." 
The Western Sanitary Commission desires particularly to acknowledge 
the prompt, ready and favorable response of Major-General H. W. Halleck, 
commanding the Department of the Mississippi, to any suggestions made 
by it, and the ready granting of all authority necessary to facilitate their 
labors; the cordial co-operation of the head surgeons of hospitals, surgeons 
in charge and other officers of the department ; the constant and efficient 
aid and co-operation of the " Ladies' Union Aid Society of St. Louis," 
the great assistance rendered by the ladies of the " Church of the Messiah," 
" Fremont Relief Society," " Young Ladies' Aid Society," and " Union 



70 REPORT OF WESTERN' SANITARY COMMISSION, 

Aid Society of N >rtli St. Lonis," in the making of sheets, garments and 
innumerable articles. Thanks are due to the German schools of the city* 
for an unfailing supply of lint, prepared by them in an hour devoted daily 
to such work, and to the Chicago, Boston and Cairo branches of the Unite<i 
States Sanitary Commission for supplies, on occasions of extraordinary 
need. Tliey specially desire to acknowledge their great obligation to 
James M. Barnard and Thomas Lamb, Esq., of Boston ; J. A. Kosevelt, 
Esq., of New York ; and Hon. Jas, Y. Smith, of Providence, for their 
generous and most eflicient aid, in bringing the needs and labors of this 
commission so forcibly to the notice of their respective communities, as to 
secure most important and timely aid, and to the volunteer surgeons of 
Boston and Buffalo, who are now rendering excellent service in the field. 
To the "Visiting Committee" of the "Union Aid," and to those many 
excellent ladies who have constantly visited the hospitals, in and near the 
city, and upon the steamers, attending to the wants and administering to 
the necessities of the poor sulYerers there, distributing, with the tenderest 
care and devotion, each remedy, delicacy and comfort, so generously 
bestowed by our contributors ; writing letters to absent friends or families, 
administering the consolations of religion, and soothing the last moments 
of our dying patriots with a sister's or a mother's voice and gentle touch — 
they desire to express tlieir great gratitude and appreciation of the 
inestimable service they have rendered. The services of these faithful 
women have been more highly prized, because, with a very few exceptions, 
the clergy of the city have given no attention to the hospitals, and have 
rarely visited them. And they wish to return their warmest thanks to all 
those patriotic men and women, who, from every loyal State, have placed 
in their hands the means of doing so great a good. The blessings o^ 
thousands of brave men, who, alike in camp and hospital, have shared 
their generous bounty, will rest upon them, and the consciousness that 
they have been instrumental in mitigating the anguish of the wounded, or 
relieving the suSerings of those prostrated by disease, while engaged in 
vindicating the honor of the flag we all love so well, will, they doubt not, 
be a great and a sufficient reward to those who have given their time, 
labor and substance, so lovingly, generously and unremittingly. 

James E. Yeatman, President, ] .=i 
Wm. G. Eliot, D. D., 
Carlos S. Greeley, 
George Partridge, 
John B. Johnson, M. D., 
S. Pollak, M. D., 
Montgomery Schuyler, D. D., 
Rowland 11. Hazard, Jr., j 



5 



REPORT OF WESTERN SANITARY COMMISSION. 



11 



Head Quarters, Army of the South-west, "I 
Helena, Arkansas. J 

Mr. Ye ATM an, 

President Western Sanitary Commission: 

Dear Sir : I lake great pleasure in expressing my hearty commenda- 
tion of the Commission, and testify to the great efficiency and energy in 
which their great work of benevolence has been, and still is, carried on. 
Your good works have saved to this little army many valuable lives, and 
mitigated the sufferings 9f many of our poor fellows, bringing comfort to 
their weary and painful couches. 

To the philanthropic ladies of the North-west we have indeed but one 
heart and oue wish— may God bless and reward you abundantly for your 
untiring efforts in our behalf. But, we say with regret, our work is not 
yet done— we know, though " you may be weary, you will still persevere 
while there are sufferings in this war to be alleviated," 
With consideration of profound esteem, 
I am, yours truly, 

Wx\I. C. OTTERSON, 

Staf and Brig. Surgeon, d;c. 



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ERRATA. 



1. On page six, second line from below, read 
thousand." 

2. On page ten, fifteenth line from the top, read ' 
3. 

flues.' 
4. 
ry. 
6. 



two hundred," instead 



Contusio," instead " Cantusio. 



On page twelve, fifteenth line from below, read " hot air flues," instead " smoke 



Page twenty-two, last line in the table, read "78,009," instead "7,048." 

Pago thirty-seven, in the table, read " rooms," instead " room." 

Page thirty-eight, sixth line from the top, read "loam," instead "loom." 

7. Page thirty-eight, eighth line from below, omit the word " or." 

8. Pixgc thirty-nine, nineteenth line from the top, read " water, but no bath houses, 
and none," instead " water and bath houses, but none." 

9. Page forty-four, last line, " transept lights," instead "transepts." 

10. Page fifty-one, fifth line from the top, " J. H. Grove," instead " T. H. Grove." 

11. Page sixty-one, fifth line firom below, instead "Surveyor General," read 
" Surgeon General." 



AN EARNEST APPEAL. 



THE WAxNTS OF THE WESTERN SANITARY COMMISSION. 



The Western Sanitary Commission of St. Louis is under the necessity 
of ao-ain appealing to the patriotic citizens of tlie loyal States, for the con- 
tribution of money and hospital stores. 

The demands upon this Commission are as "Teat as at any previous time, 
and the field of its labors is daily enlarged. An army of not less than one 
hundred and fifty thousand men, in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and 
Missouri, and the gunboat flotilla, looks to St. Louis for nearly all its 
sanitary supplies and must continue to do so through the war, as the most 
convenient and accessible place at all seasons of the year. Heretofore the 
Commission has been able to meet all requisitions. It has never refused 
to send liberally and promptly, to any point, whatever has been needed to 
alleviate suffering and to cure or prevent sickness. At • the present time 
arrangements are in progress to supply regiments in the field with 
vegetables and other articles of food for sick and convalescent soldiers. 
At Corinth and Columbus, this will be done by co-operation with Dr. 
Warriner, agent of the U. S. San. Com., and elsewhere by the Western 
Commission alone. 

La Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas, the demand for all kinds of hospi- 
tal supplies is great, and increasing, for a war of unprecedented malignancy 
has begun to be waged, and exposures of our brave men both to disease 
and wounds are fearfully great. Those who are at a distance from the 
scene of action, can have no adequate idea of the privations and hardships 
of the service, or of the number of those broken down by it. The casual- 
tics of the battle-field are but a small item in the estimate. Forced 
marches, the murderous rifle of an unseen and skulking enemy, who knows 
the work of the assassin better than that of the soldier, fill our hospitals 
and thin our ranks. To such risks are our sons and kindred exposed from 
day to day, in defense of the country which we all love so well. lias 
money any gteater value than to supply their need ? Ought we to become 
niggardly in gifts, or weary of work in such a cause? Can the women of 
America enjoy or endure the luxury of peaceful homes, except on condi- 
tion of giving the labor of their hands and the prayers of their hearts to 
those who are defending them at such a cost? 

For nearly two months past the Western Sanitary Commission has been 
left to rely almost exclusively upon its own resources and the liberality of 
the citizens of St. Louis. The attention of the loval States has been 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

III 



i II II 

aire.to.l cl.idly to the an.ii.> of tlio r-.tomar ; 013 743 623 1 "^ 
Dt.parlmentot'thc Mississippi lias Wen comparalively turg.-un.. 1.. uie" 
wliole ci-l.t weeks the eontiil.utions reocive-l from all our sister States 
woiikl not siipplv tl.c deinan.l of a single <lay '. The Western Commission 
has cuiitinue.l its work tlms far, without .liminution, au.l n.akes no com- 
plaint of this temporary an.l uunv..i.labl« neglect, which is fully explained 
l»y the pressing nee.l of the Eastern armies. But its treasury is getting 
low, au.l it is hx imminent danger of exhaustion. Its n.embers are .striving 
to economize in all expenditures, so that every dollar received shall go to 
the direct relief of suin-nng. They are still willing and thankful [o give 
their own time and lal.or gratuitously, and to eoutrihute freely from then- 
own means, as tlu-v have always done. liut they are not willing to incur 
debt, and the renewed liberality of those who have heretofore helped them 
must intervene, or the sick and wounded will soon cry for relief in vain. 

This must not be so. The Western armies deserve well of the nation 
au.l have done tluur full pari in the war. They have .lone their work well 
in the field and must not be neglected in the hospitrd. 

This appeal is, therefore, most earnestly and alVectionately made to all 
loyal and humane persons in the Union. They have already done much, 
but redoubled elVorts in all departments of the war must now be made. 
The 000,000 new recruits will not be without their sick and wounded, 
and many a hard battle must yet be fought. Let the rich give of their 
abnuilance. Let the poor spare all they can. 

Especially we appeal to i.oval women, wherever they may be. They 
are the true" " Jlome Guards " of the nation, the ministering angels to sick- 
nes.s and sutt'ering. Without them Sanitary Commissions can do but a 
small part of then- w..rk, and upon tiieir ellicient assistance we principally 
depend. 

The articles most needc.l arc hospital shirts an<l drawers, socks, slippers, 
dressing gowns, farina, corn starch and delicacies, and money, which is the 
representative of all. 

Boxes should be sent bv Merchants' Dispatch, prepaid, if l>os.sible, to 
^' .James E. Veatman, Western Sanitary Commission, St. Louis, Missouri, 
with names on the bo.x of the party sending, so as to insure prompt 

■'^•■'^""^^'"^'^'""^^"'- .TAMES E. YEATMAN. ) 

WM. G. ELK) r, [• Committee. 

M. SClllYLEK, ) 

1' s —Since the above was written, and as an illustration of the deman.ls 
luade u'pou the Western Sanitary Commission, re(|uisitions for supplies o( 
all kluJs have been rereived from twenty regiments near > emphis. A 
sunply for the sick of an army of 15,000 men was imme.lntely sent. ( u 
the same day 25 large boxes were sent to the army m Arkans.ns, and '0 
boxes and barrels to Dr. Warriner at Columbus. Such outlay cannot be 
lon^r c.ntimied without correspon.ling income. -Articles to over the value 
of * 150,000 have b-en distributed by the Western Sanitary Commission 
in Ihc last ten months. 



